Making Connections was an arts-based rail project in Blackburn and Darwen that worked with young people 15-24 years. During August 2022 - May 2023 multiple youth and community groups worked alongside professional creative practitioners to develop new creative pieces that responded to their experiences of rail travel.
This project resulted in:
a new artwork for Blackburn Railway Station’s subway
a dance piece that reflected the movements we make when we travel by rail
a piece of sound art that incorporates our feelings and experiences of rail travel
some poetry which is displayed at the station
a showcase event that the whole community was invited to
The young people involved in each of the different creative projects had the opportunity to take part in a number of rail excursions with the hope that they would become confident rail ambassadors for their communities. By meaningfully involving and empowering young people to develop new skills and friendships we saw horizons broadened with people able to access social, economic and employment opportunities with more confidence. It really was wonderful to see people develop a real sense of ownership towards their local railway station and rail more widely.