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From boring stairwell to living work of art

A woman painting a picture of a cat on a wall

In our new district Capella in Gothenburg, a previously anonymous and somewhat boring stairwell has been given new life through a collaboration between Hemsö, KV Konstskola and Folkuniversitetet.

The public art project has created a place where color, form and creativity meet people in everyday life – while giving young artists a chance to try out real commissions.

The initiative came from Daniel Mandel, property manager at Hemsö in Gothenburg.

We wanted to get a good collaboration going with our tenants – and we have really succeeded in that. I am both proud and very happy that the result has been as good as it has been.

Daniel Mandel, Property Manager at Hemsö

The project has been both a design assignment and a learning process. The students have had to submit sketches, receive feedback and work with the needs and conditions of the space. A concrete step towards understanding how public art works in practice.

Thomas Zornat, Head of KV Art School, highlights the deeper value:
“Art offers humanistic values in a society that often focuses on the measurable. It gives us experiences that speak directly to our emotions – and opens up thoughts we might not otherwise dare to face.

For our students, this has been an important experience. They have faced real demands, received feedback on their work and seen how their art actually affects those who spend time in the building every day.

Thomas Zornat, Head of KV Art School

For us at Hemsö, this is an inspiring example of how art can help make our properties more vibrant, personal and meaningful.

📸 Check out the before and after pictures here and see what a difference art has made!

A stairwell leading to a door with a number on it
A room with a number three on the wall
A painting of a cat on a wall next to a stair case
”Glenn the house cat” artwork by Kerstin Nylander, student KV Art School.
A woman sitting on a chair in front of a wall painting
Here Caroline Eklund, student KV Konstskola paints her artwork.

How public art contributes to more pleasant environments

  • Creating identity and pride
    Involving students and tenants in the design of art creates a stronger sense of participation and belonging.
  • Promotes creativity and inspiration
    Colorful and vibrant artworks stimulate the imagination and can bring new thoughts and ideas into everyday life.
  • Improves mental health
    Aesthetically pleasing environments can help reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being.
  • Makes everyday environments more pleasant
    Public art transforms neutral surfaces into something personal and vibrant, increasing the well-being of both visitors and those who spend time in the building on a daily basis.
  • Acts as a conversation starter
    Art often evokes emotions and curiosity, which can lead to conversations and meetings between people.
  • Strengthens the character of the place
    Each work of art tells a unique story and helps to give the place its own identity and atmosphere.