Art of Tamworth Bus Shelter Project Transforms Public Spaces with Local Creativity,
Supported by Arts Council England and Shared Prosperity Fund
Tamworth, 17/11/2024

The New Urban Era led Art of Tamworth Bus Shelter Project has
brought vibrant, community-driven artwork to the streets of Tamworth, thanks to funding from
Arts Council England and the Shared Prosperity Fund. The initiative, which ran from June to
November 2024, is a continuation of last years successful project that saw six bus shelters
painted by professional artists. This year, the project expanded to a further nine shelters,
with additional support from the Inclusive Community Fund and a focus on recycling
materials, resulting in even more public spaces transformed by local creativity.
The project has engaged local schools, residents, and artists to turn previously underused
bus shelters into colorful, thought-provoking public art installations that reflect the town’s
culture and heritage. The collaboration has created a sense of pride and connection for
residents, while enhancing the aesthetic of the borough.
Collaboration with Local Schools and Artists.

A central feature of this year’s project was the involvement of local schools. Dosthill
Academy Primary School played a key role, with students from Year 2 and Year 5 invited to
submit ideas for the design of their local bus shelter. Local artist Katie O led workshops with
the students, transforming their ideas into artworks that were then incorporated into the final
shelter design. The resulting shelter is a vibrant and lasting reflection of the children’s
creativity and the community’s spirit.
Laura Morgan, Head of Art at Dosthill Academy, commented, “Our Year 2 and 5 pupils had
an amazing experience designing the bus shelter with local artist Katie O and New Urban
Era. We think it represents our local community positively, and what was once an unloved
bus shelter is now the highlight of our high street.”
In addition, students from Stoneydelph Primary School contributed to the project, working
with Simon Winfield to create 3D models of bus shelters that inspired his final design. The
project also included workshops on sustainability, with students using Posca pen art on
recycled spray cans.

Community Involvement Through Workshops
The project extended beyond schools, engaging local residents through workshops. On
August 17th, Tam O Shanter Community Pub hosted a workshop day where residents from
the Gillway estate joined artist Simon Winfield for spray can art and doodle sessions. This
event marked the first time NUE had worked with the Gillway community, and it allowed
residents to contribute their own creative ideas to the design of a local bus shelter.

Local resident Bev Lander from the Dosthill Residents Association shared her excitement
upon seeing the completed shelter: “What a lovely surprise I had tonight. To see that our bus
shelter had been painted. It looks fabulous. It’s so different to stand inside, it just makes you
feel happy. Please pass on our gratitude to Katie O Art—she has done a lovely job. I hope she has enjoyed working with the children at Dosthill Academy. I know they have enjoyed
the experience.”

Art of Tamworth Festival Artists Contribute to Project
The Art of Tamworth Bus Shelter Project also benefited from the contributions of
professional artists. During the Art of Tamworth Festival, artists including Annatomix, Katie
Scott, Sam Art, and Wingy created original artworks for bus shelters throughout the borough.
These pieces add an additional layer of local culture to the public art landscape, further
enhancing the visual appeal of the town.

South Staffordshire College Students Gain Work Experience
Students from South Staffordshire College also played a role in this year’s project by
collaborating on the design of a heritage-themed bus shelter. As part of their A-level
coursework, students gained valuable work experience in researching, designing, and
developing public art. Their participation in the project helped deepen their connection to the
local community while providing them with hands-on experience in the field of art and
design.

A Growing Project with a Focus on Sustainability
The Art of Tamworth Bus Shelter Project began in 2023 with six professionally painted
shelters, and thanks to additional funding and a strong focus on sustainability, this year’s
initiative has expanded to a further nine shelters. By using recycled materials, the project not
only showcases local art but also emphasizes environmental responsibility. With more
shelters planned for 2024, the project continues to grow and foster community engagement,
strengthening the bonds between residents and their local spaces.

“This project has been a shining example of how public art can bring people said Vic Brown
from New Urban era “Through the collaboration of schools, artists, and residents, these bus
shelters have been transformed into spaces that inspire pride and creativity. What was once
a neglected space is now a vibrant expression of the community’s spirit.”