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Network to showcase local artists: 02 December 2009; The work of three amateur artists will grace the region’s transport network, following an open competition across Merseyside.

The three winners were selected from a host of inspired entries for Merseytravel’s “Art on the Network” competition.

Tony Fitzpatrick from Walton, Ron Davies from Crosby and Daniela Visone from Whiston were selected by renowned artist and sculptor Tom Murphy, Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel, and Merseytravel’s Public Art Steering Group led by Chief Executive Neil Scales.

Councillor Mark Dowd said: “The work of these three artists is fantastic. The winners quite rightly deserve to have their efforts displayed for thousands of people to see every day.”

The artworks will go on display at three locations.

Tony Fitzpatricks’ History of Liverpool will go on display at Liverpool Central Station.

Rona Davies’ Magical Backdrop will go on display at Waterloo Station.

And Daniela Visone’s Journey will go on display at Whiston Station.

However, no new artworks are set to grace stations in either Wirral or St Helens due to a lack of quantity and quality entries.

Councillor Dowd added: “I’m sure there’s a vast pool of talented artists in both Wirral and St Helens but they just don’t seem to have entered this competition! Maybe we should launch a plea for local talent to come forward and let us see what magic they can create?!”

The “Art on the Network” competition was a first for Merseytravel and an open invite for talented art lovers to submit their inspired ideas.

The aim of the competition was to boost the environment for passengers and offer a surprise at every corner as part of Merseytravel’s ambitious and wide-ranging public art programme.

It stems from the legacy of 2008; a year in which the organisation played a key part in the city’s globally-renowned Capital of Culture celebrations.

Neil Scales, Chief Executive and Director General of Merseytravel, said: “Our public art programme came into its own during European Capital of Culture. Since then, we have received many requests from talented artists to showcase their work and this was their opportunity to do just that.

“We are delighted with the winning entries. We are committed to making transport journeys more interesting and appealing.”

Every resident in Merseyside over the age of 18 was given the chance to enter.

Artists were asked to submit their own original piece of two-dimensional artwork, which included painting, pastels, photography or collage.

The artwork were all themed or inspired by the area of Merseyside in which they live, including Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

A cash prize £500 was given to each of the winners and their art works will go on display at the stations in early 2010, if not before.

If you have an idea or live on the Wirral or in St Helens and are feeling creative please contact Merseytravel’s Public Arts Officer Emma Lawrence on 0151 330 1188 or email emma.lawrence@merseytravel.gov.uk

Pictured: Neil Scales (left), Tom Murphy (right) and the winners of the Art on the Network competition.; Back to Media Centre