This commission involved working closely with the community and shop and business owners on Shields Rd, to identify the main problems of the street. We felt strongly about highlighting the streets well known reputation as an area of crime and social problems to include drugs, alcohol, shop lifting and violence, with long term neglect from landlords and deprivation in the area. But we also wanted to celebrate the streets unique character, its heritage, its diversity and the fact that there are still many fantastic businesses that operate on the street.
We photographed shop owners and products that they sold, to feature on a giant mural for Byker Metro. We also installed several installations in Bus shelters, worked with 4 local mural artists to brighten up the shutters of the old much loved and now neglected Parish building, and toured a small Christmas tree for a night out to gather peoples thoughts and opinions on baubles.
This work was commissioned by Nexus and Newcastle City Council, working in partnership with Sally Southern.