Press Releases
‘Underpasses - connecting people, connecting places’ project.
Download Guided Heritage Walk press release here
Download RARA Workshops press release here
Download Underpasses press release here
Download HLF press release here
MK is known to outsiders as the city of roundabouts and concrete cows. But insiders know our real identity is more complex, more textured... In 2017, Milton Keynes will celebrate its 50th anniversary, and Underpasses - connecting people, connecting places project will be right at the heart of that celebration.
It is a project that will transform three city underpasses from dark no-go zones into an artistic canvas. Public art will highlight some of MK's original estates, and their local communities, residents, and schools will participate.
The project is created and managed by On the Verge and has won major funding of £85,600 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Local people on Fishermead, Oldbrook, Conniburrow and Downs Barn will have the opportunity to engage with their heritage right on their doorstep in a totally new and exciting way, through taking part in a programme of heritage inspired workshops. There will be books about our new town heritage available to local school children and they will be taking part in their own workshop sessions, delivered with partner organisation the MK City Discovery Centre. Henk van Aswegen, Director of the Discovery Centre said “we are thrilled to be involved in the Underpasses project - it will help local people understand and appreciate their own local heritage and history within the larger context of Milton Keynes as a New Town and City.”
The project will culminate in the commissioning of exciting new artworks for the underpasses, to be opened in January 2017; these art pieces will take ideas and inspiration directly from local people on the estates involved.
With these activities and its rich community collaboration, On the Verge and Underpasses aims to connect residents with the unique heritage of the 'New Town' that is MK, raising awareness and helping to preserve its uniqueness for the future.
Underpasses - connecting people, connecting places is to be run in partnership with MK Council, the Parks Trust and the MK City Discovery Centre and Funding from HLF, MK Community Foundation and MK Council.
For further information, images and interviews, please contact:
Jackie Core. Project Coordinator OTV at j.core777@icloud.com
