Schoolchildren have created an arts trail in the West End inspired by bicycles.
The budding designers worked with artists at In The Making Glasgow as part of a Glasgow Life community arts project.
The trail was built for 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships which has just wrapped up after 11 days of action.
The children involved in the project were from St Patrick’s Primary School and Whiteinch Primary School.
The young artists cut around 70 cycle designs out of wood and painted them bright and welcoming colours.
Circuit
The route takes in the primary schools themselves before following the Sauchiehall Street section of the road race circuit to its finish at George Square.
Jenny Olley of In The Making said: “Through this work we wanted to show Glasgow pupils how art and design shape the world around them and how, as young artists, they can contribute to it.
“By filling their local communities with joyful and surprising moments that lift the spirits and offer an opportunity for reflection, we can help children see that their contribution to the sporting mega-event taking place on their doorstep is valuable.
“This project also explores the themes of active travel and highlights the importance, to individuals’ health as well as to our environment, of wheeling and walking in our city.
Through this work we wanted to show Glasgow pupils how art and design shape the world around them and how, as young artists, they can contribute to it.
Jenny Olley
“We held regular workshops with the pupils and it was fantastic to see them grow in confidence, increase their skills and flourish.
“We would encourage people to take a walk from Thornwood into the city centre to discover the artworks that have been created by the children of St Patrick’s and Whiteinch Primary Schools as a different way of engaging with this world-first championship event in Glasgow.”
Karen Shaw, Glasgow Life Senior Arts Producer – Creative Communities, said: “This In The Making project is a wonderful example of how art can engage communities across the city to create something inspiring that benefits local neighbourhoods.
“The artworks trail the artists and schoolchildren have created also shows how Glaswegians are being inspired by and connecting with the UCI Cycling World Championships this month – there are so many ways to participate and benefit from this major event.”
Artists In Communities is funded jointly by Creative Scotland and the Glasgow City Council GO LIVE! cultural initiative created for the UCI Cycling World Championships.
