A once gloomy and unwelcoming subway beside Sandown Station has been transformed into a vibrant piece of public art as part of a wider youth-led project now being showcased at Quay Arts.
The transformation forms part of ‘Back on Track’, an exhibition celebrating the work of 3 groups of young people involved in placemaking projects around Sandown Station through Artswork’s Young Cultural Changemaker programme.
The initiatives were developed in response to concerns raised by children and young people who said the station area often felt unsafe, unfriendly and affected by antisocial behaviour.
Young people from the Youth Justice Service worked alongside Community Murals Isle of Wight to create the colourful mural in the Los Altos subway. Inspired by nature moving alongside the railway, the group developed the theme ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’ to help brighten the space and encourage positivity.
One participant involved in the project said:
“I think a mural in the subway will really help. People won’t want to graffiti if there’s lots of pattern.”
Students from Lionheart School have also been involved in the regeneration effort, working with artist Jo Kori to create a new 3-D installation for the platform at Sandown Station. The artwork, due to be installed later this month, reflects both the history of rail travel on the Isle of Wight and hopes for the station’s future.
Meanwhile, young people from Bay Youth Project documented the station through photography and podcasts after describing the area as unwelcoming and affected by antisocial behaviour. Working with photographer Trudie Wilson and podcast producer Jake Richardson, they produced around 40 photographs and audio clips now featured in the exhibition.
Peta Rainford, placemaking creative producer at Artswork, has said:
“It’s great to see all three projects come together on the Café Wall at Quay Arts.
“I am immensely proud of all the young people involved. Although the three groups worked separately, they shared the aim of addressing concerns around antisocial behaviour and safety, increasing the sense of community ownership, and making the station a more welcoming space.”
The projects also celebrate 200 years of rail travel and have been funded by South Western Railway CCIF, Arts Council England and Isle of Wight Community Rail Partnership CiC.
Additional support has come from Island Line, Island Roads, Southern Vectis, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Sandown Library and Briars Guest House.
‘Back on Track’ is on display at Quay Arts until Saturday 6th June.
Great to see, let’s hope numpties don’t ruin it for others.
CCTV either end would put a stop to that!
Prevention is better than cure.