Artist Amma Gyan has joined forces with Watford Borough Council to re-imagine the chapel at Vicarage Road Cemetery into a creative space where local artists can originate and exhibit their work.

The foyer of the 162-year old stone chapel will be adapted to provide a contemporary creative space called ‘Amanartis at the Chapel’ for artists and art societies in the area.

The council’s aim is to enrich cultural activity and opportunity for all and, in doing so, boost Watford’s profile as a place to experience home-grown creative talent and develop artistic careers.

The chapel gallery will work with artists, local schools and community groups to host a variety of exhibitions and sessions such as painting, photography textiles and mixed media.

Watford Observer:

The foyer of the chapel will be adapted

Amma, who is of Ghanian origin and came to Watford from East London ten years ago, will be running the creative space.

She said: “Watford has an amazing vibrant and creative community with lots of organisations supporting artists in so many ways - with Amanartis I wanted to build on that and create a place that supports people along their creative journey.

“Whatever paths they may have taken from markets and self-taught novices to graduates, the intention is to act as a space that nurtures and meets the need for many through creative opportunities, collaboration and exploration.”

Watford Observer:

Peter Taylor talks to an artist inside the Watford chapel

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said “Local people care deeply about Watford’s unique heritage, we want to celebrate it more visibly and the new space will provide a perfect opportunity to do so. It will also give the community a social space and help remove the feeling of isolation which is essential for everyone's general wellbeing.

“As part of the upcoming programme, they will also host artist talks and demonstrations, taster sessions and community engagement events and I am really pleased to support this great initiative for the area.”

To find out more, including how the creative space is COVID-19 secure, email hello@amanartis.co.uk, call 07968 783760 or visit amanartis.co.uk