Kettering street Art on the Route trail launched to encourage people to walk wheel and scoot
People are being encouraged to ‘walk, wheel and scoot’ to explore a newly launched street project along an arterial route into central Kettering.
Phase one of Art on the Route brings a huge colourful mural, painted telecom boxes and performance art to Stamford Road, a key walking and cycling route into town.
Co-ordinated by Brightwayz – an active travel social enterprise – the collaborative project involves three local social enterprises, supported by a Creative Climate Action grant from Northamptonshire Community Foundation.
In front of the huge colourful ‘centrepiece’ mural, Brightwayz founder Alison Holland said: “Art on the Route as You Walk, Wheel or Scoot is about the whole route all the way from Horse Market, all the way along Stamford Road, out to the edge of town.
“All the way along the route we’ve done creative things. You don’t have to do the whole route in one day, you can do it gradually.
“It’s an activity that children and adults can enjoy.
“It’s more than the wall and the route, it is a really important message about Kettering being better connected for everyone.
“Yes, you can come by car, but we want people to be able to travel in an active, safe and sustainable way.
“Transport is the largest source of carbon emissions. That’s why we’re calling out for safer routes and make a network across the town safe.”
Explorer passports with a maps are available for people wanting to take part or the route can be navigated via the ‘huntly’ app.
Five creative posts have been placed along the route that have embossed designs on the top for ‘brass’ rubbing.
QR codes on the posts allow people to watch video performances created by Laugh Out Loud Theatre Company who gave ‘walking performances’ at the public launch along the route.
The Stamford Road wall mural, was designed and painted by local illustrator Sally Leach of Kettering Street Art CIC, assisted by Daisy Farrar Hayton, funded by an anonymous benefactor.
MP for Kettering Rosie Wrighting added her support for the Art on the Route project at the ribbon cutting.
She said: “When people come together in Kettering it can create incredible things. I feel passionate about active travel.
“It’s the right thing to do for the climate, it’s the right thing to do for mental health. Investing in active travel can change lives for the people in Kettering and it’s making things better for them and I’m incredibly proud that it is in my constituency.”
The ribbon was cut by mayor of Kettering Lauren Glanfield.
Art on the Route as You Walk, Wheel or Scoot is a collaborative project by three local social enterprises, supported by a Creative Climate Action grant from Northamptonshire Community Foundation.
For more information about the project or how to get involved, visit www.brightwayz.co.uk/art-on-the-route, follow @artontheroute on Instagram or visit www.facebook.com/artontheroute.