Northern Trains has provided space at a railway station in the Tees Valley for a local community group to display its artwork.
The artwork is on display at South Bank station in Middlesbrough, and was produced by charity and environmental organisation Groundwork North East working in partnership with Saabat Gallery. Eight people worked on the project, including Sabaat Gllery staff, local artists, and family members from the local community. Two art sessions were organised, which produced the colourful artwork that is now proudly displayed in the station's poster cases on the platforms for passengers to enjoy.
Groundwork North East aims to ‘change places change lives', by working with people to improve their communities and their own circumstances. By bringing together communities, businesses, and government in a joint effort it hopes to improve the quality of life and promote sustainable development in places that had become run-down and neglected. Groundwork North East is just one in a federation of charities mobilising practical community action on poverty and the environment across the UK.
Kerry Peters, Regional Director at Northern said: “We're always delighted to work on community projects and this artwork has really brightened up the station.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Groundwork North East for their work on this project.”
Susan Cammish, Green Team Supervisor, said: “It has been a pleasure to refurbish some of the existing artwork displayed along the platform, but, more importantly, to engage the current local community in expressing their pride for their local industrial and natural heritage.
“The new works show scenes along the River Tees corridor, as part of the River Tees Initiative, as well as wild and garden flowers, inspired by the Gallery's creative community garden project.
”We welcome visitors along the Teesdale Way, to come and enjoy the River Tees Sculpture trail, (both accessible from the station at South Bank), as well as Saabat Gallery and garden, just up the road.”
