Art in Arches returns for 2026 with new theme ‘Safe Haven’

Pictured: Artist Aimee Cast, Art in the Arches 2025, by Blake Watson

ArtHouse Jersey is delighted to announce the return of Art in the Arches, the much-loved public art project transforming Elizabeth Marina into an open-air gallery for a third consecutive year. Delivered in partnership with Ports of Jersey, with support from Viberts, this year's project invites artists, schools and community groups from across the Island to respond to the theme Safe Haven, creating a series of new murals exploring ideas of belonging, connection, resilience and hope.

Originally conceived by local resident Mary Venturini and curated by artist and educator Jacqueline Rutter, Art in the Arches has become a distinctive part of Jersey's cultural landscape, bringing creativity into everyday life and encouraging Islanders to experience art in one of the Island's most popular public spaces.

Throughout the summer, 17 newly painted arches will emerge beneath the arches of Elizabeth Marina, created by a combination of professional artists, school pupils and community groups. Together, the artworks will transform the marina into a vibrant public gallery while reflecting on the many ways Jersey's harbour can be understood as a safe haven; a place of protection, welcome, creativity and connection.

Pictured: artist Abi Overland,  Art in the Arches 2025, by Blake Watson

The participating artists include Yulia Makayeva, James Colmer, Max Corbett, Sami "Kumo" Osman, Kate Sugden and Jamie Cole, alongside mural projects created by Bel Royal Primary School, Mont à l'Abbé School, Hautlieu School, La Passerelle Primary School, Jersey Marine Conservation, Ocean Culture Life and finally a a mural created by ArtHouse Jersey's Saturday Art School participants.

Workshops and mural creation will take place throughout June and July, with the public able to watch the artworks gradually take shape across the marina over the course of the summer.

Tom Dingle, Chief Executive of ArtHouse Jersey, said,"Art in the Arches is a wonderful example of what can happen when creativity is brought into public space. It invites people of all ages and backgrounds to contribute, participate and experience art as part of everyday life. This year's theme, Safe Haven, feels particularly resonant in a place like Elizabeth Marina, where stories of welcome, connection and belonging are already woven into the landscape."

Jacqueline Rutter, curator of Art in the Arches 2026, said, "'Safe Haven' offers so many possibilities for creative exploration. It can be interpreted through personal experiences, environmental themes, cultural identity, wellbeing, community and our relationship with the sea. I'm excited to see how participants bring their own perspectives to the project and how those different voices come together across the marina. 

Through its ongoing partnership with ArtHouse Jersey, Ports of Jersey continues to enable Elizabeth Marina to serve not only as a working harbour but also as a welcoming public space where Islanders and visitors can gather, spend time and experience culture in an unexpected setting. Support from Viberts is helping create opportunities for young people, schools and community groups to take part in this high-profile public art project, ensuring creativity remains accessible and visible across the Island.

Head of Marketing and Business, Peter Cheesley said, “Viberts is delighted to support Art in the Arches. Initiatives like this strengthen our community, encourage creativity, support education and wellbeing, and highlight the important value of art within our society. The Safe Haven theme is especially meaningful, and the artwork helps brighten a public space for everyone to enjoy.”

Events & Projects Support Manager for Ports of Jersey, Kim Dréan, said, “‘We’re really pleased to continue supporting Art in the Arches in its third year and to help make this brilliant community project happen. Looking after Jersey’s harbours and creating a safe haven is a big part of what we do - somewhere people feel welcomed, protected and connected. That’s why this year’s theme feels especially fitting. It’s great to see the marina brought to life in such a colourful and creative way.”

The completed murals will be officially unveiled at a public launch event on Friday 24 July.

Art in the Arches 2026: Safe Haven is delivered in partnership with Ports of Jersey, with support from Viberts