Railway station to become a 'canvas' for artwork

A new arts programme will see artists, communities and schools transform a city's railway station with their creative vision for the public transport hub.

Arts charity HOME and Network Rail have teamed up for an 18-month project which will see the busy commuter station Oxford Road in Manchester double up as a creative workshop.

Our City & Beyond: Manchester Oxford Road Edition invites participants to "reimagine" the station "as a canvas for collective storytelling".

The programme "explores what becomes possible when rail, culture and the city come together to shape station environments and experiences that are welcoming, reflective of their communities and connected to the life of the city ".

Louise Harney, head of creative engagement, HOME, said she was excited "to engage with a Manchester landmark as a canvas for collective storytelling, co-creating a public artwork rooted in the city's past and present".

She added: "We are thrilled to be a part of this project that celebrates creativity in place."

Rebecca Foy, regeneration & placemaking specialist at Network Rail, added: "Art is powerful - it shapes people, places and stories, and our stations are no different.

"We are beginning to explore what becomes possible when rail works creatively with the city and its communities to shape places that feel welcoming, human and truly reflective of the people they serve."

An early example of the kind of projects envisaged is the announcement of a new artwork across the Whitworth Street railway arches beneath Manchester Oxford Road Station.

The work by artist Venessa Scott will draw inspiration from the creative work already produced by participating school children and will transform the currently neglected arch frontages into a "vibrant and evolving canvas for the programme", the organisers have said.

The artwork will be submitted for planning soon with work expected start in summer.

Throughout the project, filmmakers and photographers will document the creative process, with resulting films shared online.

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