A PROJECT to brighten up the town centre in unprecedented times is being launched by the team behind Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival.

Warrington will become a hub of creative activity with displays of visual arts, sculptures and light installations as well as performances.

The Culture Warrington and Arts Council England venture also involves Warrington Borough Council, Warrington BID and the National Trust Introducing the project is artist Joshua Harriette, who has created a light installation in the former Contact Warrington building in Horsemarket Street.

Joshua, from St Helens, studied at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, before going on to work with the likes of Matthew Bourne.

He said: “I am very much buzzing to be working with Culture Warrington. It brings a sense of full circle, with having the opportunity of coming back home to Warrington and St Helens, where my journey with the arts began.”

The Public Art Commissions project features the work of nine artists, including two who will be calling on members of the public to help. Sarah Harris will be paying tribute to remarkable people across the borough by asking the public to nominate their friends, neighbours, or community heroes to feature in the work.

She said: “There’s often a sense of pride in being part of a community, and behind this are individuals who help to develop this social cohesion by, for example, working to reduce isolation, giving their time to help others or by being a good friend. This work is a celebration of the people who go that extra mile to support our communities, with aims to unearth the characteristics that feature in our neighbourhoods.”

Visual storyteller Daisy James is stepping into Warrington history to document the changing face of Warrington as a place of business – from independent stores that have stood the test of time and market stall stalwarts to industrial leaders.

Eager to unravel personal tales and memories from photos and family histories, Daisy added: “When I think of the Warrington community, I think of the past, present and future of our town centre’s high streets and reflect on the shopkeepers and business owners who are responsible for the transformation of our industrial landscape.”

Information on contributing to Sarah and Daisy’s projects can be found on Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival’s website and social media pages.

With six other artists waiting to reveal their works, the diverse project hopes to ‘breathe a new lease of life into Warrington locations, while bringing a touch of hope to the community’ in the Covid era.

Leah Biddle, cultural manager of Culture Warrington, said: “Leah Biddle, Cultural Manager of Culture Warrington, said: “The absence of top-quality art over the past several months has left a real hole in Warrington’s cultural scene, in addition to having a devastating impact on the livelihoods of our talented creatives.

“However, this fantastic new project offers a real chink of light as we showcase our incredible, homegrown talent in a dynamic but Covid-safe way.

“Each work is being developed in accordance with the latest government guidelines and can be viewed outdoors for free when passing.

“We encourage everyone to adhere to Covid restrictions, to maintain social distancing, and enjoy the work with responsibility and respect for others.”