Workington’s art trail has a new piece of work, which was created by youngsters from Victoria Junior School.
Pupils collaborated with poet Melissa Davies on My Wild Place, which is now displayed in the Rebuild pop-up – the former Cumberland Building Society branch – on the town’s Murray Road.
Melissa said: “As an artist it’s rare to be so involved in the evolution of a project so this has been unique and exciting! The children’s creativity was a joy to work with – inspiring me to push my own practice in new directions.”
The art trail also includes other poetry, paintings and textile installations throughout the town.
Other participants were Cumbria Deaf Association and Moorclose Community Centre, who worked with artists Alison Critchlow and Rosie Galloway-Smith co-creating a vibrant collection of homegrown artwork.
Put in place by Cumberland Council alongside partners, the art installations are on display in windows at HSBC, Workington Library and Workington Railway Station.
As well as the community artwork, each artist has created a piece of their own work in response to the time spent working with their group.
Maps are available online at www.workingtonarttrail.com
The website includes audio descriptions and British Sign Language videos with captions and voiceovers. The route is navigable on wheels as well as on foot, with seating, accessible toilets and pedestrian crossings marked on the map.
Workington Art Trail is an Arts Council England and Cumberland Council funded project aimed at bringing footfall back to the town centre and showcasing what the area has to offer.
Four further local artists – Kate Lavender, Loki Syme, Nanette Madan and Zoe Forster – have made work inspired by the theme of Connections, which will be on display above the ticket office at Workington Railway Station.
This has been funded by Workington Town Council, with the installation generously supported by Community Rail Cumbria and Northern Rail.
Project Manager and producer Anne Waggot Knott said: “Workington Art Trail is a great example of successful, fruitful collaboration. We’ve worked with nine Cumbrian artists, over 50 local participants, plus 15 community partners, venues and suppliers.
“Everyone has made new friends and connections, developed their creative skills, or gained new business. And that’s before it’s even launched – we can now look forward to thousands of visitors to the town centre enjoying this gorgeous artwork over the winter!”
The trail runs until February 28 and is supported through Government funding.
