On the Verge is running the Gateways project, a Visual Art pilot initiative with Place Identity as the central theme. Pioneered by Myriam Metcalf, who trained in Architecture and Regeneration and is also a printmaker, the project is supported by a Steering Group of stakeholders, residents and community representatives.

The project is to be implemented in two phases:

  • Phase 1 in 2007 - 2009 commissioned artists to produce designs for temporary banners to be on display until Dec. 2012
  • Phase 2 from 2010 onwards will commission an artist to produce designs for artwork to enhance and improve two underpasses

On the Verge, aims to work with residents and artists to use Visual Art to develop pride and identity in the four estates surrounding central Milton Keynes: Bradwell Common, Conniburrow, Fishermead and Oldbrook.

On the Verge in preparation for the Banners Project (2007-2012) facilitated a series of artist-led digital photography workshops with schools and 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. In 2009 three Milton Keynes artists Annabelle Shelton, Sally Annett and Tom Calnan, were commissioned to design additional banners for Fishermead, Oldbrook and Conniburrow. These banners are displayed next to the play areas in each estate.

On the Verge will continue to run community engagement artist led workshops and other activities in preparation for the Underpasses Project (2013 – 2016). The outcome of these activities will inspire commissions for artwork for the underpasses that link the housing estates.

Steering Group members

Myriam Metcalf - OTV Project Producer and Director (PF) (since 2006)

Clive Thomas - The Print Foundation Treasurer (since 2006)

Marie Kirbyshaw - Culture Manager. MK Council (2006/10)

Janice Walker - CPPC Manager and Community Development (since 2007)

Cllr. Isabella Fraser - MK Council and Campbell Park Parish Council (2007- 2011)

Michelle Dudhill - CPPC and Fishermead resident (2007 – 2010)

George Byfield - Chair of Conniburrow Community Association (2007/10)

Phillip Snell - Senior Landscape Architect Strategy. MKC (2007/12)

Sharon Paulger - Director, Inter- Action MK – Chair (2007/12)

Kaye Mortimer - Milton Keynes College. Routes to Success (2007/09)

Razia Larha - SureStart Centre Coordinator. Conniburrow (2007/09)

Marina Able-Smith - Groundwork MK Development Officer (2009/11)

Lucy Bedford - Arts Development Officer, MK Council (2010/12)

Kevin Wilson - Director, Artpoint (Public Art) (2010/12)

Joy Cowell - Chair of Conniburrow Community Association (since 2011)

Advisers

Louise Izod - Public Art Officer MK Council (since 2009)

Adrian Pinckard - Director InterAction MK (since 2012)

Dobrochna Futro - EU. Polish representative (since 2012)