On the Verge is a Public Art pilot initiative with Place Identity as the central theme. Pioneered by Myriam Metcalf, printmaker and Chair of 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: Bradwell Common, Conniburrow, Fishermead and Oldbrook.

On the Verge in preparation for the Banners Project 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 has plans for more banners, when sponsors have been found.

The On the Verge Footbridges and Underpasses Project will continue to run community engagement and consultation workshops led by local artists. This consultation will inspire commissions for artwork for the footbridges and underpasses that link the estates.

Steering Group members

Cllr Michelle Dudhill - CPPC and Fishermead resident

Marie Kirbyshaw - Arts Manager. Arts Team MKl

Phillip Snell - Senior Landscape Officer. MK Council

Clive Thomas - The Print Foundation.Treasurer

Myriam Metcalf - The Print Foundation - Project Director

Janice Walker - CPPC Community Development Manager

Sharon Paulger - Director Inter- Action MK - Chair

Marina Able Smith - Groundwork Development Officer MK