Public art trail brings colour, creativity and local stories to Market Harborough

Market Harborough Public Art Trail invites residents and visitors to explore Market Harborough – with artwork, community stories and local heritage at its heart.

Market Harborough is becoming a little more colourful as a new public art trail begins to take shape across the town.

The trail is a free curated trail with an online guide, and forms part of a longer-term ambition to develop more public art across Market Harborough.

Claire Webb, the trails creator, says: "We know access to arts and creativity is a huge benefit to the health of a town and its residents. Here at Two Quarts Arts CIC, we look at how we can embed that creative health into the everyday.”

The trail is intended to encourage people to discover and engage with the town’s history, businesses and communities.

The first phase lists and celebrates existing artworks in the town including Frank the Plank at Union Wharf, the harlequin sculpture on the theatre wall and artwork found in and on St Dionysius church as well as the transformation of utility cabinets and other small-scale public spaces, turning everyday infrastructure into colourful pieces of public art.

The artwork currently being created on utility boxes down Leicester Rd, is inspired by Symington’s swimwear design legacy and links to an exhibition taking place at the Symington Building during Heritage Week (11-20 Sept) - MAKING WAVES: Local innovation to Global inspiration, which showcases the history and special selection of examples from the extensive archive.

The trail organisers are particularly grateful to the local organisations and businesses that have provided financial support to help make this artwork possible, including Badgers Den, Harborough Arts Society and Randalls International Sweets.

Their support alongside endorsement from Virgin Media and Harborough District Council, demonstrates the importance of local businesses, organisations and community groups coming together to invest in Market Harborough’s creative future.

Claire Webb continues: “We wanted to create something that encourages people to see Market Harborough differently. Public art can transform ordinary places and, at the same time, tell us something about where we live and the people who have shaped it.

“We hope people will spot something unexpected, take a walk, discover a new part of town and perhaps learn a little more about Market Harborough along the way.

“The long-term vision is for the trail to continue to grow and include opportunities for local schools, artists, community groups and heritage organisations to contribute ideas and collaborate on new commissions, including youth-led and intergenerational projects.”

Residents, businesses and visitors are invited to follow the trail as the artwork appears via www.twoquartscic.co.uk and share their discoveries using @twoquarts instagram page and #cleanUPcolourUp