Hereford College of Arts installs artwork in city subways

Students from Hereford College of Arts were tasked to make the subway that connects Sainsbury's and Aldi and the Greyfriars one underneath Victoria Street more appealing for visitors.

"The brief came from the police as part of the Safer Streets campaign," said Nicholas Stevenson, a lecturer in illustration and animation at Hereford College of Arts.

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"The idea has floated around for a year or so, and a couple of months ago we got on board.

"Two underpasses were chosen to see if we could make them friendly and welcoming by doing some artwork.

"We worked together along with our graduates. Selected pieces were chosen, but some people made some new ones.

"You're always nervous when you put artwork out there, but most of the feedback from comments we've seen is that it feels that it has made the underpasses bright and colourful and not scary."

West Mercia Police said that the project has been running for 18 months, with the aim to target violence against women and girls, neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour.

Other partners include Herefordshire Council, Vennture, WM Womans Aid, WM Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre and Hereford Women’s Equality Group.

Roger Allonby, Herefordshire Council’s acting services director for economy, said: “It’s really great to see the fantastic artwork produced by the very talented students at Hereford College of Arts enhancing our subways.

"This kind of initiative makes our city a much more attractive place for all. Herefordshire Council has very much welcomed the Safer Streets funding secured by West Mercia Police.

"Through these funds, we’ve been able to make our county a much safer and much more welcoming place to live, visit, study and work.”