Urban Art Launch
Around 40 people including local residents, artists and volunteers from Irlam and Cadishead joined members of the Hamilton Davies Trust (HDT) to celebrate the launch of their new urban art programme ‘I C Art’.
Held on the 13th July 2015 at the new HDT Art Centre on Liverpool Road, the group were treated to the first glimpse of I C Art’s opening piece of artwork ‘Bridging the Gap’.
I C Art is a programme created and funded by HDT to bring art to Irlam and Cadishead. It aims to create sites of interest across the area through the introduction of artwork in various forms, which can help to connect to the area’s heritage and environment, celebrating the present and past whilst simultaneously looking forward to the future. It can complement regeneration and be a showcase for local skills, brightening up some unloved or run down spaces, and enhancing pride through volunteer participation in the programme. It is also a great way of raising aspirations and fuelling the imagination.
Urban art is something which HDT is very passionate about as they believe it will provide pleasure to local people; further enhance the appearance of the local environment and also attract visitors to the area. With the majority of projects planned as outdoor attractions, it will also be visible, accessible and free for everyone across the district to enjoy and get involved. 
“We are very excited about the launch of our first artwork which is a bit of a masterpiece! Well done to Rachelle and her team of volunteers for completing such a fine piece of art. This is just the start though, we have lots of great plans to brighten up the district. Art complements regeneration and adds a different dimension just as heritage, trees and architecture do. Through the programme we hope to generate excitement and interest, utilising local talents by encouraging residents to be involved and hopefully attracting visitors.” Neil McArthur, Chairman of HDT and the brainchild of I C Art
HDT engaged the services of local artist Rachelle Cleary, who recruited a team of 15 volunteers to complete the first major piece of art for the programme. Entitled ‘Bridging the Gap’ the piece tells the story of the areas industrial heritage and railways depicting a link between the people from the past through time to the present day, with the bridge as a central theme. The artwork has now been installed at what was once Phulphil Garage on the corner of Dudley Road, why not pop down and take a look?
“I’m very grateful to H
DT for giving me the opportunity to work on such an exciting project. I’m absolutely loving it and wake up excited to go in every day. It’s not just about the painting, it’s the people I am meeting along the way, sharing their enthusiasm, knowledge and stories about the district and creating artworks from this that will enhance the great area we live in!” Rachelle Cleary, Local Artist
“I was inspired by the big blue bridge on the bypass, which I felt needed to be central to the story. I wanted to focus on the people rather than factories and machinery and pay homage to those who worked to transform the area from two sleepy farming villages into a massive world leading industrial site. Starting with a Worsley man or people like him who I imagined to have traversed the rivers in the area and ending with a scene from the present day.” Rachelle Cleary, Local Artist
Irlam Station is also home to some I C Art pieces, with ghost imagery featured on the main wall in the Coal Yard, a painting of the Ticket Master, as well as other artwork around the carriages.
“I’ve found it a pleasure to work on something with Rachelle. It’s very different to anything I’ve done before. I’ve found the industrial history part very interesting as I remember the CWS works alongside the canal.” Sylvia Fearn Art Volunteer
Interested in getting involved? Then why not get in touch? Anyone can be part of the team, it doesn’t matter if you can’t paint or draw. Creative ideas for future pieces or potential sites, help to research and prepare artwork or an extra pair of hands for its installation are all welcome. If you do have art skills however, these are most definitely welcome too.
Please get in touch with Tony or Sharon: Phone: 0161 222 4003 / Email: [email protected]
Posted on: 15th July 2015