This Saturday local residents will get to help decide which bold new artwork will be permanently installed at Union Yard in Aldershot.
The work, developed by students as part of a new partnership between the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), Rushmoor Borough Council (RBC) and Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT), aims to transform Union Yard into a vibrant cultural focal point for the town.
Tom Northey, Associate Dean (School of Creative and Cultural Industries) said “Our partnership with Rushmoor Borough Council and Hampshire Cultural Trust has given our students an incredible platform to showcase their talents outside the classroom.
“Drawing on Aldershot Life isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s a tangible, real-world opportunity for these young creatives to engage with the local community, respond to a professional brief, and leave a lasting mark on the town. We are incredibly proud of how they have embraced the heritage and future of Aldershot, and we can’t wait to see how the public responds to their visions for Union Yard.’’
Cllr Sophie Porter, Deputy Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council and Healthy Communities & Active Lives Portfolio Holder said “What’s been really exciting about this project is the creative freedom the students have been given. Makers’ Yard is a growing creative community within Union Yard, so it’s fantastic to see students become part of that.
“Culture and creativity are such important parts of regeneration, and projects like this help bring new energy and identity into the town centre. Polden Studios is home to 128 UCA students, and one of the council's goals has always been to connect students better with Aldershot so it becomes more than just somewhere they live and commute from."
Amy Whittlesea, Senior Cultural Development Manager for Hampshire Cultural Trust commented that the project had a close tie to HCT’s remit as a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) for Arts Council England.
“As an NPO working with early career artists, we know how difficult it can be to know to turn our creative talent into a professional income, so this project is a fantastic opportunity for students to build the experience they'll need to forge successful careers as creative practitioners. We are also delighted that this work will ultimately make creativity more visible across Rushmoor, and with the growing number of students now based at Polden Studios, it’s particularly fitting to be developing this work at Union Yard.”
Members of the public are invited to help choose the winning artwork by viewing the students’ ideas in person at Container E, Makers’ Yard, Union Yard on Saturday 6 June as part of the Victoria Day celebrations.