TAKING the stairs at Tameside College isn’t just a healthy activity, it’s now a stairway to art heaven.
That’s because local students have been busy creating some impressive artwork which is now on display along a staircase.
It’s seen as a way of encouraging staff, students and visitors to be more active and feel the health benefits associated with using the stairs if able to.
Students from Clarendon Sixth Form College studying for a BTEC Extended National Diploma in Art and Design Practice – Graphic Design were tasked with using art to increase movement within the college.
They worked with artist and image-maker Fabric Lenny to co-create their artwork as part of the Arts Award Bronze project – in conjunction with Tameside Council’s Public Health and Arts and Engagement teams.
It has been funded through the Place partnership and the Mayor’s Challenge Fund scheme.
Ashton St Michael’s councillor Bill Fairfoull visited the college on Beaufort Road to see the finished masterpieces for himself.
“It was a pleasure to see the brilliant artwork that the students have created and to celebrate their achievements,” said Cllr Fairfoull, who is also the council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Children and Families.
“I’m delighted that our talented young people are being proactive in inspiring good choices and leading the way in supporting others to boost their health and wellbeing.”
Ruth James, Head of Department for Creative Studies at Clarendon Sixth Form, praised the students’ efforts.
“They have worked incredibly hard on this project and to see the finished product is fantastic,” she said.
“It has created a real buzz around the campus and has started a conversation about keeping healthy, which was exactly the brief. I am extremely proud of the students’ hard work and am sure they all have great careers ahead of them.”
The council is aiming to get everyone moving for 30 minutes or more every day, to help people live happier and healthier lives.
To help achieve this, students and staff at Tameside College have been trying to move more – in particular through group trips into the outdoors to nearby nature spot Chadwick Dam.