9 August 2019
Shoreham Port unveiled a unique Port-inspired artwork at Southwick railway station earlier this week. The artwork, composed of 144 hand-printed tiles was created by young Concordia volunteers in the Port’s Visitor Centre, as part of a collaboration between the Port, Sussex Community Rail Partnership (SCRP) and a local artist.
Members of SCRP, local businesses and stakeholders joined Shoreham Port for the launch of the artwork on Tuesday which was created by young people taking part in a National Citizen Service (NCS) programme with the charity Concordia. Over 30 young volunteers printed the tiles, donated by The Sussex Sign Company, through a series of workshops run by local artist, Charlotte Cranidge over the course of a week.
The tiles take inspiration from Delft tiles, created using a Chinagraph technique - which involves mono printing on to tissue paper which is then applied on to a tile and then vanished. The volunteers also enjoyed a Port tour, followed by a day spent brightening up the station tunnel with a deep-clean and paint, ensuring that it was ready for the installation, which was provided free-of-charge by local firm Pilbeam Construction ltd.
SCRP link railways with local businesses who offer time, resources and funding to help brighten up stations and make them feel more welcoming for the community. As a Station Partner, Shoreham Port organise a community project to enhance their local station every year, this allows them to invest in a public space which is widely used by the community and helps them build meaningful links with their valued stakeholders.
Rowena Tyler, Community Development Officer at SCRP commented “Station partnerships benefit the railway station, passengers and local community, in a variety of ways. Attractive stations help to make the journey more interesting and can encourage people to choose the train over less sustainable modes of transport.
“Having Shoreham Port as a Station Partner has helped to foster a community spirit, and the resulting artwork in the underpass at Southwick is a lovely way to inform customers of the local heritage.”
Emily Kenneally, Communications Manager at Shoreham Port commented “This year we have really enjoyed engaging with local young people by joining forces with Concordia and a local artist to create a unique artwork which celebrates the diverse culture and rich history of the Port. It has been fantastic to see the community spirit of all those who have come together to work on this project – thank you to SCRP and all those who contributed to an excellent community artwork for everyone to enjoy.”
One young Concordia volunteer who attended the artwork launch commented “It’s great to see all the tiles up on the wall of the station and to see all the artwork come together. We worked really hard printing the tiles and painting the station so I’m really proud to see it finished.”
Follow the Port’s Facebook and Twitter pages for updates on other ways they are engaging with the local community or sign up to their digital PORTlife newsletter here. If you are passing through Southwick station then you can share a photograph of your favourite tile with Shoreham Port using the hashtag #SPStationArtwork and tell them why you like it!
Category: Community
