Kettering ‘Art on the Route’ wins national award for innovative active travel project

A partnership of Kettering-based social enterprises, has won a prestigious national award for its transformative community project, ‘Art on the Route as You Walk, Wheel or Scoot.’

Named the winner of the Innovative Project of the Year at the Modeshift National Travel Awards 2026 the award was presented to lead partners Brightwayz founder Alison Holland by at a gala ceremony.

The Modeshift National Travel Awards are the UK’s top professional accolades for sustainable and active travel, recognising excellence in promoting walking, wheeling, cycling, and public transport.

Brightwayz founder and project lead Alison Holland said: “We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to receive this national recognition from Modeshift.

“This award is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and passion of everyone involved - from the talented artists and performers to the local children, families, businesses and residents who embraced this project.

“It proves that when you combine art, education, and community spirit, you can encourage a shift in travel habits in really fun, engaging ways.”

Art on the Route as You Walk, Wheel or Scoot combined the power of street art, theatre, and climate education to encourage active travel in Kettering.

A large ‘walk, scoot and cycle’ themed wall mural designed by Kettering Street Art CIC, provided a vibrant centrepiece for the project route.

As well as creative posts along the way for children, the route features two painted telecoms boxes, artwork by staff and students at Youth Works Northamptonshire, a themed bus shelter featuring designs by pupils St Mary’s CE Primary School.

Educational theatre performances by Laugh Out Loud theatre that reached over 100 pupils from Grange Primary Academy. A 12 point active travel trail, supported by printed maps, the ‘Huntly’ free online trail app.

Funded by the Northamptonshire Creative Climate Action Fund, project debuted in July bringing vibrant art to parts of Stamford Road to brighten the area and inspire active travel.

Art on the Route builds on Brightwayz’s long-standing commitment to reducing car dependency in Northamptonshire. It is currently contracted by North Northamptonshire Council to support local schools with their travel plans.

The ‘Innovative Project of the Year’ category recognises initiatives that show exceptional creativity and measurable impact in shifting travel behaviour. Winning this national award places the team at the forefront of a movement that is shaping the future of everyday journeys across the country.

Ross Butcher, national chairman of Modeshift, said: “Every Modeshift National Sustainable Travel Award presented is a win for our industry, and a win for people across the UK.

“It’s so important for everyone to share their success and have others do the same; it builds public and political support, makes a case for continued funding and policy change for sustainable travel.”

The project was coordinated by Brightwayz in partnership with Kettering Street Art CIC and LOL Theatre Company, who came together through the North Northants Social Enterprise (NNSE) network.

Ms Holland added: “All the project partners are grateful to the Northamptonshire Creative Climate Action Fund’s secret philanthropist who is funding the £50,000 two-year project.

“The team are already building on this momentum by planning for year two of the project which will focus on London Road and they are keen to hear from businesses and building owners along the route who may be interested in getting involved.

Contact: [email protected].