A new addition to the community-based Workington Art Trail has been unveiled this week.
Cumberland Council launched the art trail last November and it now includes artist Melissa Davies collaborative work with Victoria Junior School.
The co-created work is entitled My Wild Place and Melissa's poem is entitled Wild. It is displayed in Rebuild, Murray Road (opposite the Bus Station).
The art trail also includes other poetry, paintings and textile installations throughout the town.
Other participants were Cumbria Deaf Association (CDA) and Moorclose Community Centre. They have been hard at work with artists Alison Critchlow and Rosie Galloway-Smith co-creating a vibrant collection of homegrown artwork to delight locals and visitors alike.
Put in place by Cumberland Council alongside partners, the art installations are on display in windows at HSBC, Workington Library and Workington Railway Station.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“We would like to thank all those involved in making the art trail come to life. It’s been a great collaborative effort with artists working alongside school and community groups. With the support of the Arts Council and Workington Town Council, the trail is still available to view and I’d encourage all to make a visit to see the amazing accessible artwork.”
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.
Poet Melissa Davis worked with Victoria Community School to create poetry and paintings on the theme of My Wild Place:
“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.”
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 sums up the impact of the project:
“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!”
Chair of Workington Town Council’s Culture and Community Committee said ‘we are delighted with the results of the Workington Art Trail; this has been an effective, inclusive community project which has brought together a diverse array of people and organisations.
The artwork really enhances the areas in which they are located and encourages visitors into our town. Well done to all involved. We hope to see the artwork in a permanent location for all to enjoy for years to come’
Workington Art Trail was imagined and delivered by Cumberland Council, project managed and produced by Anne Waggot Knott, with illustrative mapping by Anja Phoenix.
The Workington Art Trail runs until 28 February 2025 and is supported through UKSPF Government funding.
Photos by Penny Watson.
