Oaklands College art students to brighten up Hatfield town centre

HATFIELD — A Hatfield 2030+ art project kicked-off this week as Oaklands College students met with council officers to show their initial ideas for displays in key walkways leading to White Lion Square.

The seven art students are producing work based on three themes:

• The memory of the past 70 years of the new or Victorian town
• The interpretation of the present
• Desires for the future, exploring the impact that new technologies would have on the area.

The artwork could consist of photographs, drawings, paintings, print or digital works, and will be used to improve some of the wall space around the town centre in what will be a significantly enhanced area.

The installations are also an opportunity for students to have their work displayed in a public area with a high footfall, giving exposure for 12-24 months, and each piece of work will have a panel to credit the artist.

Councillor Bernard Sarson, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local art students to get involved in our ambitious regeneration plans for Hatfield town centre, helping to improve the local area and getting exposure in an area of the town that has a high number of shoppers and visitors.

“Oaklands College is a key partner in the Hatfield 2030+ partnership, and it’s great to see creative projects running alongside our wider regeneration plans.”

Coordinator in Art Fashion and Design Tim Burkinshaw said: “The staff of the Art, Fashion & Design Department work hard to create work experience and live brief opportunities for our students. Our students have researched the past, present and possible future of Hatfield in order to create ideas and possible outcomes for this brief and we are excited to see their artwork come to life in Hatfield town centre.”

Students from Onslow St Audreys and Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School will also be submitting their artwork ideas in the coming weeks.

Stay posted across our social media channels in order to see the final pieces of art on display across Hatfield.