Two new art installations by the children of White Spire School in Bletchley, and a group of young carers have been revealed at intu Milton Keynes.
Award-winning charity Create supported the works - on the wall of the South Concourse parent and baby rooms, and a new, colourful cow who has joined herd of MK's famous cows.
Create worked with children from White Spire School to design the mural as part of its creative:connection programme.
During sessions led by Create’s professional artists, Artistic Director of Function Theatre James Baldwin and visual artist Daniel Wallis, the children came up with a magical story inspired by the frog clock and drew pictures to illustrate it. Daniel then transferred their designs onto the walls of intu creating a mural which staff members painted to make it a permanent feature.
The aim of the project was to help enable young people with disabilities to get involved with cultural activities.
The mural is accompanied by a plaque telling the story and crediting the children of White Spire School.
“Everyone worked together to help each other to create this. I’m really looking forward to seeing my mural in the shopping centre,” said one of the participants.
“My family will be so proud!”
The second project involved 11 of Create’s teenage carers who designed and crafted their own Milton Keynes cow.
“We are delighted with both the mural and the cow; they are absolutely fantastic. The mural has transformed the parent and baby rooms into a friendly and welcoming area, whilst the cow has brought some colour to the herd!” said Paul Lancaster, Regional Director for intu Milton Keynes.
“I’d like to say thank you to the young people of Milton Keynes, the artists and the team at Create for all of their hard work."
Create’s CEO and Co-Founder, Nicky Goulder added: “These projects helped young people with special needs and young carers to develop new skills and play an active role in their community, raising their self-esteem and building their confidence.
"It has been a pleasure to work with intu Milton Keynes and witness everyone involved embracing the opportunity to create some art for the shopping centre.”
