Drivers and pedestrians in Middleton town centre are noticing some new wildlife popping up along their commute.
Artists from Rochdale and Samburu, Kenya have brought a huge new endangered wildlife themed mural to Brook House on Oldham Road, encouraging residents to understand the importance of ecosystems as well as the conservation efforts that enhance wildlife and protect the planet.
Lead artists - AYLO (Hayley Garner) from Rochdale and Kenyan based Victoria Firth, founder of global arts initiative The Wild Mural Project have been mentoring local artist Jamie Buckley and Kenyan based Ninah Tanya, to create their first international masterpiece in Middleton.
Hayley, curator of the Common Walls International Mural Festival that has transformed public spaces with large-scale artwork in Rochdale said:
"Victoria and I came up with the idea of 'Endangered Exchange' - an international collaboration that could create vibrant community driven art that inspires a deeper connection between people and the planet. It's not just painting, it's about developing artists and giving opportunities they might never otherwise have had, connecting communities across the world and showing how creativity can bring people together."
A large heath butterfly - classed as endangered in the UK features in the artwork.
‘A deeper connection between people and the planet’
Developed in partnership with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, the Endangered Exchange initiative follows 'The Herds', the groundbreaking public art project that visited Heywood last year as part of Manchester International Festival and Rochdale's year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, encouraging communities to renew their bond with the natural world.
The striking 15 metre high x 10 metre wide mural features species that tell an interconnected story: a Hen Harrier, large heath butterfly - classed as endangered in the UK, emperor dragon fly, sphagnum moss that holds water and allows peat to form, and wildfires. Referencing the projects connection to Keyna, the phrase 'Save our tomorrow today' is written in Swahili - a call to notice what is around us, understand how connected it all is and to protect these landscapes before the warning becomes a loss we cannot reverse. The new mural has been designed to represent mounting pressure being placed on landscapes that may appear strong but are held together by delicate relationships between water, plants, insects, birds and climate. The artwork also features Kanga, a striking fabric that reflects the rich culture of Keyna.
Kenyan artist Ninah Tanya, who spent the past year being mentored by Victoria Firth in her home country, travelled to Middleton from Nairobi for her first international artist residency: She said:
"This is the biggest mural I've worked on and it has been an amazing experience. I've visited Rochdale too to see the murals there, painted by artists I admire, and the town hall is beautiful."
The finished 15-metre-high x 10-metre-wide mural features heath butterflies, a dragon fly, moss and wildfires.
Ninah's family are big Manchester United fans, so she even took a tour of Old Trafford during her 2-week trip, "They'll be jealous!" she added.
Next month local mentored artist Jamie Buckley travels to Kenya for the second phase of the exchange where he will work alongside Aylo, Ninah, Victoria and local communities in workshops, wildlife research and the creation of a second mural in the East African country, celebrating Kenya's natural environment.
Victoria said:
“We only have one planet to live on, so we need to take care of it. I think this new Middleton mural shares a powerful message about our climate, and species that will disappear, as well as creating a connection between Middleton and Kenya. We've had such a positive response from locals as we've been painting. Living and working between 2 continents, I see every day how inter-connected we are as a planet, Endangered Exchange enables people, cultures and stories to connect, learn and recognise that what affects one part of our world ultimately affects us all. I hope this is the beginning of using creativity as a bridge between communities and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us."
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said:
“Middleton residents told us during the 'Our Town, Our Future' engagement led by Middleton Co-operating that they want to see visible improvements that make the town feel cared for, welcoming and full of life as well as support for local artists, regular cultural programming and a stronger celebration of Middleton's arts and culture, so this is a step in that direction.
"This striking new mural is a powerful reminder that climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our planet and the wildlife that depends on it. By highlighting endangered species and the fragile ecosystems they call home encourages us to reflect on our responsibility to protect the natural world for future generations. As well as brightening a prominent town centre landmark this artwork starts important conversations about sustainability, conservation and the small actions we can all take to make a positive difference. We are proud to support a project that combines creativity with such a vital message.”
Each stage of the project is being recorded as part of a documentary following the artists' journeys, mentorships, cultural exchange and the relationships developed.
Part of Rochdale's boroughwide cultural initiative 'Rochdale Creates,' the UK phase of Endangered Exchange is part-funded by The Butterfly Effected CIC, Rochdale Development Agency and Rochdale Borough Council. The Kenyan phase is funded and supported by The Wild Mural Projects, Caparol Paints Kenya and Turtle Bay Beach Club, Watamu, whose support is helping to host the residency in Kenya.