On the Verge is running the Gateways project, an 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 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 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. The outcome of these activities will inspire commissions for artwork for the underpasses that link the housing estates.

Steering Group members

Michelle Dudhill - Fishermead resident

Joy Cowell - Chair of Conniburrow Community Association

Janice Walker - CPPC Community Development Manager

Lucy Bedford - Arts Development Officer, MK Council

Phillip Snell - Project Officer,
MK Council

Clive Thomas - The Print Foundation.Treasurer

Myriam Metcalf - The Print Foundation - Project Director

Sharon Paulger - Director,
Inter- Action MK - Chair

Marina Able Smith - Groundwork Development Officer MK

Kevin Wilson - Director, Artpoint