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Children help transform bus shelters with art

Nue/KatieO Katie O working on the Dosthill bus shelter for Dosthill primary school. The picture shows the back of an artist painting pink flowers and colourful birds on the shelter. the artist is wearing a black top, dark trousers and a black cap. Nue/KatieO
Artist Katie O helped pupils create artwork out of their ideas

An "unloved" bus shelter had been turned into a town highlight by children working with artists on a project, a teacher has said.

Students from Years 2 and 5 at Dosthill Primary School in Tamworth, Staffordshire, worked with artist Katie O, who helped "transform their ideas into artworks" as part of the project led by art group New Urban Era (Nue).

Laura Morgan, head of art at the school, said the pupils had an "amazing experience" designing the shelter.

Last year's Art of Tamworth bus shelter saw six bus stops transformed by the community, but this year the project expanded to include 15.

Nue/Sam Art A bus shelter with a painting of a woman with grey hair with pink at the front who is smiling and surrounded by four white and pink flowers with yellow and green centres and a bird. Nue/Sam Art
The project created vibrant artwork on bus shelters in the town

Vic Brown, founder of Nue, said the bus shelter project had grown with additional support from the Inclusive Community Fund.

The town's arts projects have also had financial backing from Arts Council England and the Shared Prosperity Fund.

This year's focus has been on recycling material and designs which reflect the town's culture and heritage.

Ms Morgan added of the pupils' design: "We think it represents our local community positively, and what was once an unloved bus shelter is now the highlight of our high street.”

Nue/Katie Scott Two tree frogs painted on a bus shelter. The one on the left is red and blue and the one on the right is light blue with black spots and markings. Nue/Katie Scott
Organisers said the work had created a "sense of pride and connection" for residents

Students from Stoneydelph Primary School created 3D models of bus shelters for their design with artist Simon Winfield in workshops.

The project, which ran from June to November, also included a workshop at the Tam O' Shanter community pub where residents from the Gillway estate joined spray can art and doodle sessions with Mr Winfield to work on a bus shelter design.

Nue/Wingy A bus stop designed like a theatre with red curtains and yellow trim. With a smiling mask and sad mask face in the centre. Nue/Wingy
The community project reflected the area's culture and heritage, said Nue

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