Findern Underpass ArtS Program
The Findern Underpass on the A50 highway has been revitalized by a community project supported by Balfour Beatty Capital.
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The underpass, running beneath the A50 through Findern, was the site of youth antisocial behavior. Now it has been transformed, thanks to young people participating in a project launched by Derbyshire County Council youth service. After consulting local youths about what would interest them, a rural arts project was set up by South Derbyshire youth service. With the support and assistance of Balfour Beatty, the Findern Underpass was identified as an ideal location to create a lasting artwork. The art creates a sense of ownership of the area by its residents. |
Balfour Beatty removed the graffiti and prepared the underpass to be used as a base for the artwork. Financial support was provided for the necessary art materials.
Youngsters, age 11 to 17, worked with the youth service creative arts team to plan and paint the mural, which runs along one side of the entire underpass. A total of 13 children from the local area were involved in the project. They had six practice sessions to prepare to create the mural. The mural was completed over three weeks and was officially opened in 2006.
Councillor Mike Lauro, Chair of South Derbyshire District Council, was delighted with the work. He said, “The result is absolutely fantastic and has shown to everybody that kids can do fantastic things!”
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