A new ‘Urban Art Exhibition’ is being hosted at Manors Station, with the aim of empowering and engaging diverse groups within the local community.
In August 2022, the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) Newcastle adopted Manors Station with the support of the Tyne Valley CRP.
SVP is part of an international Christian voluntary network dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by providing practical assistance to people in need. The diverse group of individuals who have adopted Manors Station consists of migrants, former homeless people, students, the deaf, and other members of the local community, all who have a range of skills they have brought to their station adoption challenge.
Work on the creative project began in Summer 2022 under the guidance of Dr Megan Nottingham, Manager of the SVP Newcastle Deaf Centre. Several local community groups were invited to take part in the creation of the display, which features a range of ceramic, clay, textiles, knitting, woodwork, and metal artwork that together form a colourful, collaborative masterpiece.
Dr Megan Nottingham said: “The Manors Exhibition is a result of a fruitful collaboration between various SVP and wider community groups. Using art as a medium to share personal stories, visions, and aspirations – their work demonstrates the power behind a shared journey.
“With a focus on building resilience, perseverance, and emotional wellbeing, we are certain that the exhibition will become a source of inspiration to others. I am incredibly grateful to Northern for entrusting the Society of St Vincent de Paul Newcastle with this precious opportunity.
“This was never about walking alone, but rather about journeying together to arrive at a collaborative and inclusive outcome – a community-led exhibition that is here to stay and will continue to grow.”
Kerry Peters, Regional Director for Northern, said: “Station adopters provide a vital link between Northern and the communities we serve, and they all do fantastic work at our stations, providing the best possible environment for our customers and local people alike.
“We’re very fortunate in the North to have so many people who care so deeply about the railway and I’m incredibly grateful for all the time they donate and all the hard work that makes such a difference to the station environment.”
