Residents and visitors are invited to a special celebration on 2 October as Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) and Milton Keynes City Council unveil a major new public artwork in Station Square designed by globally acclaimed British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori MBE.
The artwork named Walk With Your Dreams will be officially unveiled at 4.30pm as part of an afternoon of colour, music and performance running from 4:15pm to 7.30pm on 2 October.
Station Square will be brought to life through a dazzling programme which includes:
- A performance from the African Diaspora Foundation Dance Group
- Sheniah Asiamah, local musician and performer, presenting My City and a new poem by Maureen Onwunali, poet in residence at IF:Milton Keynes International Festival The Roundhouse and Milton Keynes resident
- A showcase from SLQY Collective, a community of local artists, poets and musicians
- Live DJ
Commissioned by MKDP and the city council, Walk With Your Dreams will fill Station Square with striking colours and patterns inspired by Nigerian textiles and by Milton Keynes itself. Integrated into the flooring, the installation will help guide pedestrians towards the city centre as well as creating a more welcoming public space at this busy city arrival point.
The artwork is complemented by a new planting scheme with species selected for their beauty, biodiversity and sustainability.
“We’re proud to be making this substantial commitment in the city centre which will transform the experience of everyone who visits. The design gives Station Square the boost it needs to become a welcoming, vibrant and memorable space for residents, visitors and those discovering the city for the first time.
Station Square is an incredibly important space and complements our wider plans to create a modern and deserving city centre, including our proposals to create a new live entertainment and events venue at the Old Bus Station. Bringing these projects together will give local people public spaces they can be proud of and create a strong first impression to our growing city.”
“This is much more than a stunning piece of art, it’s a real celebration of our city’s creativity and diversity. Station Square is the gateway to our city and this installation welcomes everyone with colour, culture and inspiration. I’m really looking forward to the launch which will bring our communities together to celebrate something truly unique.”