MK Gallery and community-focused design studio RESOLVE Collective selected local artists to develop designs for several stall shutters at Milton Keynes Open Market.
The artists have been working with traders to creatively interpret the stories, knowledge and global connections of those within the market to create original designs which celebrate the value of the market for the community.
Teresa Lane, Interim Special Projects Director at Milton Keynes Development Partnership said: “MKDP funded this initiative as part of our investment in the market, which, so far, has included painting and improvement of the lighting underneath Secklow Gate. This exciting project aims to improve the appearance and visibility of the market with some shutters undergoing colourful and creative transformations.”
Roisin Callaghan, Producer, Public Programmes (Community & Partners) at MK Gallery said:
‘This project is particularly special because it is deeply rooted in the local community. The open market has been here since the birth of Milton Keynes. The artists are all have strong links to Milton Keynes and were selected based not only on their creative talents, but also on a written submission of a memory of the market and what it means to them.
“Everyone involved has been so positive and collaborative and soon we will all be able to enjoy the new shutter designs which will, over time, be another layer in the cultural heritage of this incredible market place.”