Students transform storage container at scenic spot into a masterpiece

A RUSTING storage container has been transformed into a work of art that has brightened up a Tameside beauty spot.

Talented students from Tameside College’s Aspirations cohort worked with Mossley-based street artist Simon Mounds on the eight-week ‘Made You Look’ project at Chadwick Dam, Ashton, which is part of the Bee Network.

It was organised by Tameside Council’s Culture and Public Health teams using funding from the Chadwick Dam Activation Project via the Mayor’s Challenge Fund.

Aspirations is the college’s provision for learners with complex and moderate learning difficulties and/or disabilities who work towards the skills they need to participate in the wider community and, where appropriate, the world of work.

The students also took part in outdoor activities in the scenic spot that boosted their knowledge of nature and local greenspaces as well as their health and wellbeing.

The inspiring project developed their creativity, confidence and skills in observation, problem solving, communication and working with others and they have taken pride in contributing to a large-scale artwork in a public greenspace.

They were tasked with devising a creative response to the local environment under Mr Mound’s creative guidance and explored and photographed the site, teaming together to create designs and art that resulted in the finished work. It was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpiece ‘The Starry Night’ and Piet Mondrian’s colour block form. Van Gogh’s distinctive swirls and vivid colours are the main feature with bright colour blocks on the ends.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Housing, Homelessness, Planning, Transport and Connectivity, Councillor Laura Boyle, said: “It was a pleasure to see the fantastic artwork that Simon and the students have created, turning an old storage container into a stunning piece of art for people to enjoy, and to congratulate them on their achievements. I’m delighted that they’ve benefitted so much from this project, getting fit and active in the fresh air and boosting their creativity, skills and confidence.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved and I’d encourage people to visit Chadwick Dam to enjoy the artwork and the beautiful scenery.

“The Bee Network enables people making short journeys to walk or cycle to their destination in a safe, healthy and sustainable way. We’re making improvements to our walking and cycling infrastructure across Tameside to benefit our residents throughout the borough.”

Simon Mounds said: “It’s been the most fantastic project and an absolute pleasure to have taken part in.”

Chadwick Dam is leased by Ridgehill Big Local Enterprises, a not-for-profit social enterprise that leases and manages the land to benefit the community.

Tameside Council has delivered a Bee Network walking and cycling route through the park and a range of activities to promote the route and encourage residents and businesses to switch to active travel. These include story walks for nearby schools, a five-week family drop-in summer programme, and digital walks. Nearby schools use the network to make active journeys to and from school or to enjoy the natural scenery.

Greater Manchester’s Bee Network provides a 1,800 mile, joined up cycling and walking network across the city-region to connect every neighbourhood and community and make it easier for people to get around on foot or by bike. Find out more at www.tameside.gov.uk/MCF