SPOTLIGHT ON University of Herts Arts + Culture 22 Sep 2022
UH Arts + Culture is open to visitors to enjoy
Did you know that the University of Hertfordshire provides a rich programme in art, culture and music which is available for everyone to experience and enjoy? Not just students! To find out more, we spoke to Inna Allen, Acting Head of UH Arts + Culture, who together with her creative team, curates and implements the wonderful programme that is varied, exciting and unique.
Where do you host the incredible events on offer?
We have three main venues at the University of Hertfordshire; the Art + Design Gallery and Chapman Gallery are both on College Lane campus and The Weston Auditorium is at the De Havilland campus.
How do you put together such a vibrant programme?
We collaborate with a fantastic range of artists and performers so we can bring the best visual arts, live arts, and music to everyone. Plus, we hold residencies, commissions, popups, artist talks, film screenings, workshops and more.
Do you have artworks permanently on display?
Yes, we have around 500 artworks permanently on display including work by acclaimed artists such as Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, Andy Goldsworthy and Alan Davie. Some of the best works are featured in the Chapman Gallery, in the Main Building on College Lane campus.
Tell us about your resident orchestra.
The de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra brings together over 80 classical musicians who perform a wide musical repertoire with 7 concerts throughout the year. We also host renowned soloists and once a season the award-winning children’s illustrator and author James Mayhew takes to the stage painting live and storytelling as the orchestra plays, it’s a wonderful performance. The concerts are held at the Weston Auditorium, and visitors can purchase tickets from our website.
Your Live Arts programme sounds incredible…
We try really hard to work with the best performing arts companies and practitioners from across the country to offer an inspirational mix of music and performance. We also collaborate with the Music Department and Student Union to support the talent on campus.
What’s next in your Visual Arts programme?
Empathy for People, Empathy for Things is a fascinating group exhibition about our relationship with human and non-human things, opening on 26 Oct 2022. This exhibition is hosted at the Art + Design Gallery on College Lane campus, where most of our events are held. We also have an incredible exhibition opening on 16 Dec 2022 being held at St Albans Museum + Gallery, one of our key partners, featuring the largest exhibition of coal-mining drawings by celebrated artist, Henry Moore.
We hear you have a Sculpture Walk…
We have a beautiful outdoor ‘Sculpture Walk’ charting the evolution of British sculpture on our College Lane campus with 14 brilliant pieces. A ‘Sculpture Map’ can be downloaded from our website. It’s a lovely and awe-inspiring trail which kids will also enjoy, and it’s free!
If we miss an event, what can we do?
We have a catalogue of our digital and online offerings on the website where you can watch digital walk-throughs of past exhibitions, learn about featured artists, enjoy online workshops and even take a virtual tour of the Sculpture Walk.
How can we find out what is on?
For tickets and information on exhibitions, events, and musical performances, visit
www.uharts.co.uk where you can also sign-up to our newsletter for news, what’s on info and
special offers. @unihertsarts
Is parking available for visitors?
Yes, parking at both campuses is open to all visitors and is free for the first two hours with a
£2 fee thereafter. We use the Hozah Parking System which is really quick and simple to use.
There’s also a Park and Ride service open during term time which only costs £1, with buses
stopping close to the Art + Design Gallery.
Key Info:
Art + Design Gallery is open
Mon-Fri 10:00-16:00
Sat 11:00-15:00 (during exhibitions only)
@unihertsarts
www.uharts.co.uk