Images inspired by Macclesfield were projected on a town underpass to give a glimpse of an art installation in the making.
The underpass at Waters Green has been plagued by antisocial behaviour, drug taking and street attacks in recent years.
In an attempt to reclaim the area, Cheshire East Council commissioned a team from Glassball arts collective to come up with artwork and transform a notorious crime-ridden underpass into an safe and welcoming environment.
The artists at Glassball are pulling together ideas for an art display in the form of a series of carved metal panels.
A series of images from the archives which show the culture and heritage of the town were projected onto the blank walls at the preview event.
Cora Glasser, from Glassball, said: “We transformed the space with five projections of Macclesfield inspired moving and still images, to create a dialogue with passers-by on how the final artworks can look or where they could be located. This was our last consultation before final production begins.
“We are keen to share our processes with those who regularly use the space but also bring back those who haven’t been down to this part of Macclesfield for a while. Our aim has been to show businesses and residents this space has been reclaimed.”
Work to improve the underpass has included CCTV, removal of graffiti, deep cleaning, painting of street furniture and enhancing lighting.
Cora said: “We propose the use of strong sight lines to connect the many visual surfaces and levels that exist within the underpass. The sense of movement, past and present, of people, of water, of trade and transport is all represented within the space and was a starting point for our commission.
“This public art is envisaged to create a welcoming look and feel to the area, creating a sense of place reflecting the uniqueness and creativity of the town. We’d like people to contribute stories and images to enable us to make the artworks rooted in the community that they will serve.”
Contribute stories and images for the work at the project website watersgreen-artwork.uk.
For more information contact Cora at info@glassball.org.uk or call 0845 527 0628.
Visit glassball.org.uk for more on the collective.
