A new art gallery has been introduced in the underpass beneath Hemel’s famed magic roundabout in a bid to encourage active travel.
With the refurbishment and installation of artwork, Dacorum Borough Council and Hemel Hempstead BID have supported Hertfordshire County Council’s plans for “creating a cleaner, greener, healthier Hertfordshire for all”.
This scheme hopes to encourage residents to walk when they can, thereby reducing air pollution and traffic congestion, as well as tackling climate change and improving residents’ wellbeing and health.
The Box Moor Trust and Dacorum Creatives Art Hub (DCAH) provided the artwork. Every piece is sourced from local artists and comes with a scannable QR code so people can contact any artist they like.
Anna Schofield, founder and CEO of DCAH, said: “The main purpose of creating the subway galleries was to make the area more welcoming and safer for people using it. Another purpose was to improve wellbeing. It’s well known that simply viewing art can boost your mood.
“This is very much in line with our ethos at the DCAH, where our main focus is on supporting people with mental health challenges through art. One subway gallery showcased artwork from the Dacorum Creatives and the other featured photography from the Box Moor Trust. It is hoped that the artworks will be changed every few months with opportunities for others to exhibit.”
Resident Dan Stobbs said: “I think this is a fantastic initiative which has transformed the subways from the bland to the bold. I’ve been amazed to see just how many people are stopping on their walks to admire the artwork that is on display.”
Photo credits: Dan Stobbs
0 Comments