St Ives Bay Line art competition
More than 75 entries showcased talent within the community
A railway should reflect the best of its community. And when it comes to St Ives – with its special place in British art history – that meant creating a connection between stations and the area’s proud artistic tradition.
A five-week possession of the St Ives Bay Line presented an opportunity to improve two stations with bespoke artwork from a new generation of artists to inspire local passengers and visitors alike.
Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership worked with GWR, Network Rail, Visit Cornwall, local artist Joanna Mayes and St Ives Town Council on a competition to design two direction of travel signs. The brief was inclusive to all skill levels and all ages. Crucially it offered a cash prize to ensure that artists who had seen their livelihoods adversely affected by the pandemic were given the chance to earn a paid commission.
75 outstanding entries were received, and after an incredibly tight shortlisting and judging process two very different winners were chosen. The competition reached 46,000 people on social media with the shortlistees and winners praised as ‘very inspiring’ with ‘some wonderful talent out there’.
The artwork was installed on Lelant and Carbis Bay stations in time for the G7 conference.
