BEVERLEY – Art students from Hymers College have brought creativity and colour to Beverley Station after taking part in a major community art project capturing local landmarks.
The independent Hull school has partnered with Northern Trains as part of the company’s youth engagement project, which aims to strengthen links with post-16 education providers and engage young people in a positive and meaningful way.
The partnership is focused on helping to build skills for the future while encouraging creativity to benefit the rail network, enhance stations to keep them at the heart of the community and inspire the next generation ahead of university and work.
Five Hymers students unveiled their artwork on platform one at Beverley Station as part of Community Rail Week, showcasing their take on local landmarks.
Year 12 students Daisy Farrar, Alex Simioana, Danae Boza, Ella Keskin and Gracie Iveson, all 17, were proud to reveal their creations, in front of rail representatives, which will be seen by thousands of passengers every week over the next four to five years.
Emily Powell, Educational Visits and Community Engagement Coordinator at Hymers, also took part in a project through the same partnership when she was a student at the school.
She said: “Our long-lasting partnership with Northern Trains, originally through the former National Citizen Service (NCS), has seen our students get involved in several community engagement projects, from gardening to painting and clearing at local train stations.
“This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for our students and I’m really proud of them all. It’s very good for their university applications but it’s so much more than that.
“They have left their mark in the community and given back, and it’s a great legacy for them to leave at Beverley Station.”
Richard Isaac, Community and Sustainability Manager for Northern Trains, said 40 per cent of its workforce will be of retirement age in the next 10 years, and they’re focused on attracting and retaining local talent while inspiring the next generation.
He said “This is the first time we’ve run a big art project with Hymers students and it’s one of the largest student art projects in this part of the world.
“Their artwork stands out and they’ve brought colour and life into the station, making it feel really welcoming.
“We want the students to be inspired, learn something, and use it in their further education. They should all be very proud of themselves.”
Students from East Riding College also designed 12 posters on display at Beverley Station, helping to bring even more life to platform two as part of the youth engagement project.
Danae, whose work captures her view of Flamborough Head, said: “I really like Flamborough and I wanted to create something that is simple but engaging.
“I wanted to try and convey the moody, windy atmosphere of the coast and highlight the uniqueness of the chalk cliffs.
“It was great to work together on this project and I’m glad so many people will see it.”
Alex said: “I chose to base my work around the MKM Stadium in Hull and the theme of football, from grassroots to professional, as it brings communities together.
“I’m proud to have my work on display at the station and it’s nice to know people are going to enjoy seeing our artwork.”
Ella’s digital artwork was inspired by Hull Docks and captures the popular and historic area of Hull.
She said: “Hull Docks is a really nice place and I like its energy and character. I’m proud of myself for doing this. I’ve always been interested in art and this is the biggest art project I’ve been involved in.”