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Underpasses – Connecting People, Connecting Places

Deadline: May 31, 2016

On the Verge are looking to commission two socially engaged artists, or artist collaborations, to deliver two public art commissions (one each) within two underpasses in Milton Keynes. The project ‘Underpasses connecting people, connecting places’ is looking to to re-imagine, repair and reconnect the areas served by the identified underpasses.

In 2017, Milton Keynes will celebrate its 50th anniversary, and the Underpasses – Connecting People, Connecting Places project will be right at the heart of that celebration. It is a project that will transform three city underpasses from dark no-go zones into an artistic canvas.

An all inclusive budget of £14,280 is available per commission

  • Underpass 1: Oldbrook - Fishermead under bridge, connecting Oldbrook boulevards and Fishermead Boulevard. MK
  • Underpass 2: Conniburrow / Downs Barn Underpass - Marlborough Street, MK.

The public art commissions will highlight some of MK’s original estates with the participation of l local communities, residents and schools. The project is created and managed by On the Verge a Community Interest Company, which has won major funding grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Local people on Fishermead, Oldbrook, Conniburrow and Downs Barn will have the opportunity to engage with their heritage right on their doorstep.

The project will culminate in the commissioning of new artworks for the underpasses, to be opened in January 2017; these art pieces will take ideas and inspiration directly from local people on the estates involved.

With these activities and its rich community collaboration, On the Verge and Underpasses aims to connect residents with the unique heritage of the ‘New Town’ that is MK, raising awareness and helping to preserve its uniqueness for the future.

The project is run in partnership with MK Council, the Parks Trust and the MK City Discovery Centre, and with funding from HLF, MK Community Foundation and MK Council.

Deadline for applications: 31st of May 2016 by 9am

To request a full artist brief and application details please contact:
Clare Cleary OTV Project Manager at [email protected] 

Interview date: 7th of June 2016