We Live Here, a public art project launching on 21st July 2023, will see artwork from notable artists and members of the community living and working in the historic market town of Eccles transform its public spaces and prominent venues this summer.
Part of Eccles’ huge regeneration programme, the Salford City Council commission will see global art producer Wild in Art work with local artists, residents and community groups to deliver a showcase of artwork, from striking installations to magnificent murals, powerful photography and stunning paintings, injecting life and colour into Eccles town centre.
The creative content and projects exhibited within the art trail include a colourful textile installation inspired by the flora that has historically grown in cottage gardens in Eccles.
Taking inspiration from the town’s industrial past, multi-disciplinary artist Lauren Mullarkey will create flowers and trees from hand-dyed silk that will be suspended from the ceiling of an empty retail unit to create a spectacular installation. Lauren will work closely with the Salford Youth Service LGBTQ+ youth club and pupils from The Arbour Academy to create the piece.
Mural painter and illustrator, Hammo, will create a mural on the side of Eccles Market that celebrates the history of the markets and shines a light on present-day traders, and street artist Qubek will be painting a mural that references the local wildlife around Eccles.
There will also be pop up exhibitions from members of Salford Art Group and From The Art of Salford, and Eccles Community Art Gallery will showcase arts and crafts from local residents.
A total of 14 pieces of artwork will decorate the town, all the work created will reference all the different wildlife and people that live, study and work in Eccles. Select artists will set up pop-up studios in vacant units and deliver a series of consultations and workshops with local people via residencies in the lead up to the project launch, creating collaborative work that will be showcased.
A design competition will also be held for local schools to participate in. The winning designs will be blown up on huge vinyls and displayed in windows across the town centre alongside the works of Kelly Ma, a local artist who creates digital artwork which is printed onto vinyls.
Printed trail maps will be available to pick up at locations around Eccles and an online trail map will also be available to download, giving individuals the opportunity to follow the trail and discover each exhibit.
The project will celebrate the local community, and the unique character and heritage of Eccles, whilst also looking forward to the future, creating a message of change and hope.
The Eccles regeneration programme presents a hugely exciting opportunity for the town to reinvent itself with a vibrant town centre through major change at the heart of the historic market town.
The programme is a shared vision and collaborative project, as Salford City Council are working closely with local organisations, community groups, and businesses to create and deliver these changes.
Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development, Salford City Council, said:
“The We Live Here art trail in the retail heart of Eccles will be an exciting addition for local residents and visitors alike to explore the vibrant artworks in spaces that they may pass by each day – from the Eccles Shopping Centre up through to Eccles Market, looping round to Eccles Gateway and library, and along Church Street.
It’s fantastic to have local artists and community groups in collaboration to deliver this trail, helping to shape what will be colourful and joyful final showcase of public art open to all to enjoy from Friday 21 July – I really can’t wait to explore the trail come to life!”
Wild in Art is the leading producer of spectacular public art events that have animated cities across the globe including Manchester (Bee in the City 2018 and 50 Windows of Creativity 2020), Sydney, Auckland, and Cape Town, and created trails for historic events such as London 2012 Olympics & the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Ben Reed, Head of Creative Development at Wild in Art said: It’s really exciting to be involved in a project that forms part of the regeneration strategy of Eccles; it has so much potential and such a rich history. Wild in Art can’t wait to commission artists and work with local community groups who will collectively create high quality art interventions that will inject vibrancy and colour into the town centre.
We Live Here Eccles will be live from 21st July until the end of September.
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