Prestwich Arts Festival, TfGM, KAM and Creative Living Centre are on the right track with new Metrolink mural

Artists Tracey Cartledge and Oskar with a K. Photo @Ben Harrison

Prestwich Arts Festival, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Keolis Amey Metrolink (KAM) and the Creative Living Centre (CLC) have joined forces with artists, Oskar with a K and Tracey Cartledge, to bring a vibrant new mural to the Prestwich Metrolink stop.  

‘On Our Way’, the new mural, was designed by Oskar and Tracey and co-created with members of the Creative Living Centre. CLC members took part in artist-led workshops with Tracey to create individual mosaic pieces that are incorporated into the design and painted elements of the mural with Oskar. 

The result is a dynamic and inclusive artwork that reflects the spirit of the community and provides an improved gateway to the tram stop and Prestwich.

Jane Thomson, Chair of Prestwich Arts Festival said “We’re over the moon to work together with TfGM, KAM, CLC, Oskar and Tracey to bring this brand new artwork to the heart of our community ahead of this year’s Prestwich Arts Festival in September”. 

“This is the fourth mural that Prestwich Arts Festival have brought to the town to contribute to its placemaking. We’re especially delighted that this latest work includes contributions from local people thanks to the team and members of CLC. It is a great showcase of the value of arts to wellbeing and mental health.”

Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director Metrolink, said: “This new mural at Prestwich tram stop is very much in the spirit of the Bee Network, with its strong focus on community and inclusion. We’re proud to have teamed up with the Prestwich Arts Festival, Oskar, Tracey and members of the CLC to deliver this vibrant and much-improved gateway to the stop.

“Our public transport network should be attractive, safe and welcoming to everyone - and what better way to achieve that than involving local people in a project that benefits both themselves and their community.”

Lorna Wilson, Interim Chief Officer and Tom Wild, Service Delivery Lead, said: “This mural project has been a true community collaboration involving a number of our stakeholders. Our members, volunteers and staff have contributed ideas and loved getting involved in both the mosaic creation and mural painting. 

“Our ethos is person-centred, holistic mental health and wellbeing support and this project has given us the opportunity to contribute in a creative way to the aesthetic of our local community. We hope it will improve the overall wellbeing of Prestwich with a beautiful new entrance to the village. We are ‘On our way’ to better mental health!” 

“We want to thank all of those involved in making this project a reality and look forward to enjoying the mural for many years to come.”

Oskar said “It’s a real privilege to work with Prestwich Arts Festival on this project. The other murals they have facilitated are a really high standard so I’m honoured to be asked! Collaborating with Tracey on doing a mixed mosaic and painted mural with Creative Living Centre attendees is really exciting. The community aspect, alongside mixing mediums, is a lot of fun, and I’m really chuffed with the result!”

Tracey said “It has been a real pleasure to be part of this project. Collaborating with Oskar to plan, design and execute the installation was a new, interesting and very positive experience for both of us. I enjoyed facilitating the afternoon mosaic session at the wonderful Creative Living Centre. The staff were absolutely brilliant and the participants were completely engaged and very capably produced a set of beautiful mosaic details to enhance the mural."

Creative Living Centre is open to the community throughout Mental Health Awareness Week 12-16 May 2025. Visit www.creativelivingcentre.org.uk to find out more.  This year’s Prestwich Arts Festival will run 26-28 September 2025. For more information visit www.prestwichartsfestival.co.uk