Gateshead College students celebrate local heroes through art on Maidens Walk
A walkway in the heart of Gateshead has been transformed into a vibrant celebration of local pride, thanks to a unique collaboration between Gateshead College's Fine Art students, Gateshead Council, and local signage and branding specialist Astley.
Stretching from The Glasshouse International Centre of Music to Gateshead College's Baltic Campus, Maidens Walk now features over 150 metres of printed hoarding panels that showcase colourful, original artwork created by first-year Fine Art students. The brief, "Gateshead local heroes and places" inspired students to explore and honour Gateshead's cultural identity, iconic locations, and unsung community champions.
The installation, which was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, included enhanced lighting along the footpath, has turned a the pedestrian route into a welcoming, inspiring space that reflects the vibrancy and character of the borough. From historic landmarks to contemporary figures who shape the community, the art brings Gateshead's spirit to life for all who pass through.
Those that take a walk alongside the hoardings can expect to see a detailed graphite drawing of the Angel of the North, a portrait of Sam Fender, using fine pen lines and colour, and a surreal illustration of a sun and moon embracing, with musical elements in response to the lyrics by musician Jade Thirlwall.
Gladys Ayinia-Adeeyemi, one of the college's students involved in the project, said: "I'm interested in the history of Gateshead and I like the old architecture of the buildings. I drew a church from 1925 as it really intrigued me because it was different. I'm proud of my artwork because it's something that I can call my own and I can add to the community in my own way and in my own style. As Gateshead College celebrates its 80th year, I'm really proud to be a part of its history and legacy."
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: "We're thrilled Gateshead College have been involved in enhancing this area. The artwork celebrates our rich cultural heritage and has turned Maidens Walk into a vibrant and welcoming environment for those that use the route. It's fantastic to support the college students with real world experiences, working on a live brief for a client, gaining valuable experience for their future careers. We'd encourage everyone to take a visit to Maidens Walk and view the incredible artwork by the talented students."
Astley, a Gateshead-based company specialising in signage and visual branding, partnered with Gateshead Council to bring the project to life. The company supplied and installed 150 metres of high-quality printed panels, ensuring the student work was professionally displayed and weather-resistant.
Marc Henderson, Sales Support Manager at Astley, said: "We're incredibly proud to have collaborated with Gateshead Council on a project that has revitalised a local walkway, breathing new life into a previously neglected space, the result is a visually striking display of positive art that celebrates everything great about Gateshead."
This initiative is part of Gateshead Council's Creative Spaces strategy to regenerate public spaces and invest in the power of art, culture, and education to strengthen community pride.
A walkway in the heart of Gateshead has been transformed into a vibrant celebration of local pride, thanks to a unique collaboration between Gateshead College's Fine Art students, Gateshead Council, and local signage and branding specialist Astley.
Stretching from The Glasshouse International Centre of Music to Gateshead College's Baltic Campus, Maidens Walk now features over 150 metres of printed hoarding panels that showcase colourful, original artwork created by first-year Fine Art students. The brief, "Gateshead local heroes and places" inspired students to explore and honour Gateshead's cultural identity, iconic locations, and unsung community champions.
The installation, which was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, included enhanced lighting along the footpath, has turned a the pedestrian route into a welcoming, inspiring space that reflects the vibrancy and character of the borough. From historic landmarks to contemporary figures who shape the community, the art brings Gateshead's spirit to life for all who pass through.
Those that take a walk alongside the hoardings can expect to see a detailed graphite drawing of the Angel of the North, a portrait of Sam Fender, using fine pen lines and colour, and a surreal illustration of a sun and moon embracing, with musical elements in response to the lyrics by musician Jade Thirlwall.
Gladys Ayinia-Adeeyemi, one of the college's students involved in the project, said: "I'm interested in the history of Gateshead and I like the old architecture of the buildings. I drew a church from 1925 as it really intrigued me because it was different. I'm proud of my artwork because it's something that I can call my own and I can add to the community in my own way and in my own style. As Gateshead College celebrates its 80th year, I'm really proud to be a part of its history and legacy."
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: "We're thrilled Gateshead College have been involved in enhancing this area. The artwork celebrates our rich cultural heritage and has turned Maidens Walk into a vibrant and welcoming environment for those that use the route. It's fantastic to support the college students with real world experiences, working on a live brief for a client, gaining valuable experience for their future careers. We'd encourage everyone to take a visit to Maidens Walk and view the incredible artwork by the talented students."
Astley, a Gateshead-based company specialising in signage and visual branding, partnered with Gateshead Council to bring the project to life. The company supplied and installed 150 metres of high-quality printed panels, ensuring the student work was professionally displayed and weather-resistant.
Marc Henderson, Sales Support Manager at Astley, said: "We're incredibly proud to have collaborated with Gateshead Council on a project that has revitalised a local walkway, breathing new life into a previously neglected space, the result is a visually striking display of positive art that celebrates everything great about Gateshead."
This initiative is part of Gateshead Council's Creative Spaces strategy to regenerate public spaces and invest in the power of art, culture, and education to strengthen community pride.
