Published on 13th May 2014

A new roundabout in Hatherley will be developed into a work of art, with the help of children from Benhall infants and St Marks junior school.

From section 106 funding, Cheltenham Borough Council’s Public Art Panel have commissioned artist Eric Klein Velderman to create the sculpture, which will be a reflection on the local community.

The project will work with the two schools, and pupils have been drawing from birds on loan from the Wilson's Museum Takeaway service, as well as creating a river of embossed foil platters. The artist will then apply these ideas to design of the sculpture.

The Section 106 funding is from two local sources: £3,000 from Cheltenham Business Park and £7,000 from the locally based B&Q.

Jacqui Grange, of Creative Solutions is managing the project and she is excited to see the input the community will have in the design of the sculpture. She said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the local community to put a stamp on something that most of them will either drive or walk past on a regular basis. The children will be able to grow up with the roundabout in the community, knowing the input they had to the design process.”

Wendy Richmond, Headteacher at Benhall says: "The children have loved working with the artist, and this is a wonderful chance for them to see an artwork develop from inspiration through to installation."

Nick Sargeant, Chair of the Public Art Panel, added: "Public Art is a great way of engaging local communities in their environment and their history and the Cheltenham's Public Art Panel is pleased to be able to fund this project in Hatherley."

The project will continue over the summer, with a view to have the sculpture revealed to the public in October this year.

ENDS


For press enquiries, contact:
Tom Wheatly, web and communications apprentice, telephone 01242 775192 or email: [email protected].

Photo Opportunity: Wednesday 14 May 2014, Benhall Infants School, Robert Burns Avenue, Benhall GL51 6PS at 2.30pm. For more information, contact Tom Wheatly 01242 775192 or Jacqui Grange on 07899 727027

Notes for editors:
  • The Public Art Panel comprises of Councillors and representatives of community groups and local      organisations with an interest in the arts. It advises the Council on public art.
  • S106 are legal agreements attached to planning permissions which can require developers to provide funding for, or actual pieces of, public art.