A once unloved subway in Bognor Regis has been transformed into a vibrant public art space thanks to the creativity of hundreds of local young people.
The subway beneath Hotham Way now features more than 70 metres of original artwork, turning a neglected walkway into a colourful celebration of youth voice, community pride and everything young people say they love about their town.
The project forms part of Artswork’s Young Cultural Changemakers programme, which supports young people to lead creative initiatives designed to make a positive difference in their communities.
Over recent months, 30 young people aged between 10 and 18 have helped shape the vision for the space, developing the theme, curating the display and working alongside artists and local partners to bring it to life.
More than 300 children and young people contributed designs based on the theme “I Love Bognor”. Those taking part came from Felpham Community College, Edward Bryant School, Rose Green Primary, South Bersted Primary and Southway Primary. Their ideas were then transformed by commissioned artist Emma Ghafur, also known as Tiger Monkey, into vibrant vinyl panels featuring the work of more than 80 local children.
Colourful ceiling panels were also designed and produced by young people involved in the local Youth Justice restorative justice workshop.
Street artist AlecLDN was selected and commissioned by the young people themselves to create murals inspired by their ideas. Although the project was first installed in November and celebrated with a community event, wet winter weather delayed the completion of the murals.
Now, with the support of new partner Blakes Cottage Trust, additional murals designed by young people at 39 Club and inspired by the art and poetry of William Blake have been added, completing the installation along the subway’s full length.
Known as Project 39, the initiative brings together 39 Youth Club, Bognor Regis Town Council, West Sussex Youth Justice Service, Safer Arun Partnership, the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner and Blakes Cottage Trust in a shared effort to champion creativity, community and the voices of young people.
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