On the Verge is a Public Art initiative with Place Identity as the central theme. Pioneered by artist Myriam Metcalf from The Print Foundation, the project is supported by a Steering Group of stakeholders, residents and community representatives.
On the Verge aims to work with residents and artists to use Public Art to develop pride and identity in the four estates surrounding central Milton Keynes: Conniburrow, Bradwell Common, Oldbrook and Fishermead.
The On the Verge Banners Project facilitated a series of artist led digital photography workshops with community groups from the four estates. Participants in the workshops were invited to use photography to explore what they thought was special about their estate. Five national artists, Boyd & Evans, Judy Foote, Taslim Martin, James O’Hanlon and Ruth Spaak were then commissioned to create temporary banners inspired by the ideas that were generated in the workshops. The banners created by these artists are sited at gateways to the four estates. On the Verge has plans for 20 more banners.
The On the Verge Footbridges and Underpasses Project will continue to run community consultation workshops led by local artists. This consultation will inspire commissions for artwork for the footbridges and underpasses that link the estates.