Art Stops
15 ARTISTS | 25 IMAGES | 86 BUS STOP PANELS | DURHAM COUNTY
I was about to have a horrible ‘boil in the bag fish’ low on funds, low on social life – when an old mate of mine texted me said he was in town and was gigging at the Old Launderette in Gilesgate.
My mate, Martin Stephenson, a blessed man with incredible musical skills and an amazing craic of a professional Stand Up.
So there was I thinking – fish supper that tasted of soggy cardboard? or a night out in Durham with great music.
No hesitation I whipped my coat on and headed for the bus stop.
I have to get three buses to Gilegate, my first bus was the Number 50 which goes all around the houses. So to keep awake I kept dipping into my phone, checking out Social Media posts. But I kept looking up and every bus stop, nearly every panel was glowing white with the words “do you want to advertise here? Contact Durham Council” I then thought wow wouldn’t it be amazing if these were filled with Artist’s works, not just images but Poetry as well.
So I went to the gig, it was pure genius as per. Martin was so funny and at the same time musically sublime.
I contacted Durham Council and chatted with a member of staff who works in the advertising dept. I was very excited as they had the same idea!! WOW! On the same page from the outset.
The dreaded Lockdown occurred, but we kept in touch.
Post lockdown and we have settled on 15 diverse Artists and installation will be week beginning 19 October.
