Member Article

Smallest art gallery with a big difference

Wellington Square Shopping Centre, in Stockton, is taking every opportunity to provide a memorable experience for customers – who don’t even have to spend a penny!

The centre teamed up with ARC to find local photographers to help take the centre’s public toilets to the next level – and invited artist Harriet Mee to create a mural for the baby change area.

The seven cubicle doors now are works of art in their own right. And, along with Harriet’s fabulous mural, give the loos a definite wow factor. Wellington Square marketing manager, Chantal Taylor, said: “We work hard to ensure that our shoppers have a great experience when they come to Wellington Square. “We want everything to be top class and we pay attention to the detail – from the overhead murals of the area’s bridges to our brand-new toilet facilities. “Part of that continuous improvement is working with local people – in this case artists and photographers - to showcase the area’s heritage and support them.” Harriet said: “’As an artist, I believe that art can make an impact anywhere and this initiative certainly proves that. I am thrilled to have been asked to create something that celebrates the heritage of our town using my mural painting and calligraphy skills.

“Art should be accessible to all and a project like this is an unusual way to highlight what art can do in even the most functional of environments!”

Chloe Lawrence, ARC’s Programmes Manager said: “We are thrilled to have worked in partnership with Wellington Square on this project. “This was an amazing opportunity for local artists to showcase their work. At ARC we bring people together to help them enjoy the world around them and experience new ideas. “We want to make a positive difference to our local community.”

Many shops moved over from the Castlegate Centre, which now is being demolished as part of an ambitious plan for the regeneration of Stockton town centre. That consolidation makes Wellington Square one of the most let Centre in the region with more than 40 stores.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by june kelly .