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Railway arch murals 'showcase town's people'

Hannah MitchellNorth East and Cumbria
News imageGateshead Council A large artwork on a railway arch. The painting depicts two hands creating a heart, one with dark brown skin and one with white skin. Writing on the painting reads "The future depends on what we do today! Together we can make a difference."Gateshead Council
The railway arch murals showcase the people, places and character of Gateshead, the council said

A set of vibrant murals on vacant railway arches will be part of a celebration marking the completion of a new events space.

The seven new artworks which have been created on an ex-garage site in Gateshead's Railway Quarter, will be unveiled during the pop-up event on Sunday 12 April.

The local council claimed the street art "showcases the people, places and character of Gateshead," according to Gateshead Council.

Artworks were created by local mural and graffiti artist Mark One87 in collaboration with Gateshead College, the Gateshead Recovery Partnership, Orbis Community and local businesses.

The council said: "Mark has spent months working with the community to shape pieces that reflect our borough's unique people, culture and character."

It is hoped the newly redeveloped forecourt in the Railway Quarter will serve as a space for pop‑up food stalls, performances, outdoor workshops and year‑round events.

News imageGateshead Council Exterior view of a series of railway arches with old, fading yellow paint on the doors. There is a steel bridge in the distance.Gateshead Council
News imageGateshead Council A brightly coloured graffiti artwork on a railway arch door. The painting depicts AC/DC singer Brian Johnson, the Tyne bridge and has the word 'Create' written across it. Opposite Johnson is the distinctive shape of the Glasshouse centre in Gateshead.Gateshead Council
The murals were created on a site in Gateshead's Railway Quarter
Brian Johnson is depicted belting out rock across the Tyne

Mark One87 said: "My approach is always to embed the ideas of local people into the art, as the aim is to bring some new life to a public space.

"Giving people the chance to influence the design is a great way to build connection to place."

The opening follows Gateshead's launched its bid for Town of Culture 2028 earlier this month.

The successful entry for overall UK Town of Culture will be awarded £3m to deliver a year-long programme of culture.

Cabinet member for culture, sport and tourism Angela Douglas said of the upcoming unveiling: "It's going to be a great occasion to mark the completion of the brilliant new artwork in the Railway Quarter and, more widely, our vibrant cultural scene across Gateshead.

"We want residents to come down, have fun and be part of something special."

The event begins at 11:00 BST on 12 April.

Additional reporting by Austen Shakespeare, Local Democracy Reporter.

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