Two new artworks, which have each been created in partnership with an artist, young creatives and a community-focused art organisation, will be unveiled in October on traffic-free sections of the National Cycle Network in Edinburgh and Irvine.
‘I: Connect’ and ‘NB: Connect’ aim to transform neglected sections of the National Cycle Network into more welcoming, enjoyable and meaningful places. Credit: Sustrans, 2024.
‘I: Connect’ and ‘NB: Connect’ aim to transform neglected sections of the National Cycle Network into more welcoming, enjoyable and meaningful places.
To bring this vision to life, Sustrans has collaborated with:
· Art Buds Collective/KMG and Yardworks in Niddrie-Bingham
· Impact Arts/Bespoke Atelier in Irvine
These artists and arts organisations worked with local young creatives to research and design the murals, giving them the opportunity to learn about the process of producing public art.
It is hoped this will inspire residents of Irvine and Niddrie-Bingham to explore their local National Cycle Network routes by walking, wheeling, and cycling.
Artists and arts organisations worked with local young creatives to research and design the murals, giving them the opportunity to learn about the process of producing public art. Credit: Sustrans, 2024.
I: Connect
I: Connect has transformed an underpass at Low Green Park in Irvine into a welcoming and uplifting space.
Impact Arts worked with Bespoke Atelier - a specialist design team – to produce a mural that explores the town’s traditions and heritage, as well as the local environment.
There were several opportunities for the community to feed into the mural designs, with engagement events taking place to draw out what residents wanted to see included.
The young artists helped design and deliver these consultation sessions and gained experience in gathering and analysing the data collected.
Bespoke Atelier also provided the interns with an understanding of the creative process behind a large-scale mural from initial concept to installation.
This included teaching them various painting techniques and how to layer a design on a wall using stencils, masking and projectors.
Artist, Bespoke Atelier, said: “It has been a pleasure to work closely with the Impact Arts team, young artists and Sustrans throughout the community engagement, design and installation process.
“The design created reflects the beauty of the river, mirroring its sweeping curves and flow of the water. Combined with inspiration from local flora and fauna and the built environment the mural is layered with texture and detail that will reveal more on repeat viewings.
“We hope that the mural will illuminate the underpass, creating a welcoming artwork for the community to enjoy.
“Bright, playful shapes will encourage movement through the space when walking, wheeling or cycling and we hope that the design will enhance the communities appreciation for their local environment and bring a smile to their face.”
The interns were also taught various painting techniques, including how to layer a design on a wall. Credit: Sustrans, 2024.
Fiona Doring, Chief Executive Officer of Impact Arts, added: “Impact Arts have delivered a wide range of creative participation projects from our permanent base in Irvine for over 20 years.
“A major focus of our work is youth employability and placemaking and this project, delivered in collaboration with Sustrans and Bespoke Atelier, has been a fantastic opportunity to bring those elements together.
“Our young apprentice artists have had brilliant work experience working alongside Bespoke Atelier and the final mural is testament to the range of community voices listened to in creating the final design.
“People using the cycle path along the river Irvine are in for a wonderful treat as the underpass there has been transformed into a beautiful space representing many aspects of local life.”
This project was made possible thanks to the support of North Ayrshire Council.
Location: Marress Road Underpass, National Cycle Network Route 7
Artist: Bespoke Atelier
Extensive engagement was conducted throughout the development of both projects to ensure the finished artworks accurately represent each community, through themes such as nature, history, language and landmarks. Credit: Sustrans, 2024.
NB: Connect
In Edinburgh, a new artwork is brightening the tunnel connecting the communities of Niddrie and Bingham.
Art Buds Collective - a social enterprise dedicated to the delivery of sustainable arts education through community projects - worked with artist KMG and 3 young interns to create a piece which celebrates the areas past and present.
Engagement with local schools and families highlighted a desire for the design to recognise nature in the area.
Other themes that emerged were the history of coal mining and brickworks, as well as a strong desire to incorporate the names of ‘Niddrie’ and ‘Bingham’ in the mural.
The interns were also encouraged to develop their own research projects, which involved design workshops with KMG, and received in-person training at Yardworks Studio to develop technical skills they could apply during the final install.
The outcome is an artwork which not only captures the spirit of the two communities, but also improves a vital route by which Niddrie and Bingham are linked.
Speaking about the project, artist, KMG, said: “Working with our young interns and engaging the community to create this mural has been an inspiring process.
"This project is about fostering a sense of ownership and bringing people together to reflect the rich history and vibrant life of this area.
"The mural is a celebration of both the past and present, and it’s been amazing to see the community’s stories and strength come to life in the artwork."
Sara Gough, Art Buds Collective Director, added: "The NB: Connect mural project is more than just painting walls; it's about engaging young people, listening to the voices of local residents, and creating stories that reflect the strength, resilience, and diversity of Bingham and Niddrie.
“Art has the power to transform spaces and lives within our communities and this mural will hopefully be a source of pride for years to come.”
The mural will be maintained by a team of young volunteers in the future.
This project was made possible thanks to the support of Network Rail.
Location: Hay Avenue, National Cycle Network Route 1
Artist: KMG
It is hoped this will inspire residents of Irvine and Niddrie-Bingham to explore their local National Cycle Network routes by walking, wheeling, and cycling. Credit: Sustrans, 2024.
Transforming spaces on the National Cycle Network
I: Connect and NB: Connect were supported by funding from the Scottish Government and administered through Sustrans Scotland’s Art and Diversity programme.
Emilia Hanna, Head of National Cycle Network at Sustrans Scotland, explains: “Sustrans has worked with young creatives and communities to transform previously neglected locations along the National Cycle Network.
"We want the National Cycle Network to be the backbone of Scotland's walking, wheeling and cycling network.
“Projects like this attract more people onto their local paths, making them a safer and more attractive alternative to car travel.
“I and NB: Connect have been led and created by local people and truly represent those living in Irvine, Niddrie and Bingham.
“We hope that this will not only encourage more people to discover and use these routes, but also inspire creativity and improve employability for those involved”.
This is the latest in a series of annual projects which support community groups in creating artworks on the National Cycle Network.
In 2021, temporary artworks and events were created for Black History Month.
In 2022, there was a focus on Disability History Month, resulting in a mix of permanent sculptures and other temporary art.
And in 2023, a remarkable series of temporary outdoor artworks were created by young people in Glasgow, Alloa, Greenock and Inverness.
