A breathtaking piece of artwork that captures what Middlesbrough means to its young people has been officially unveiled at a local college. The impressive collage was created by students from Transitions College, a specialist education provider that offers tailored support for young people aged 16 and over with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The framed artwork features iconic Middlesbrough landmarks such as the Riverside Stadium, the Transporter Bridge, and Stewart Park. The collage now holds a prominent position at Transitions College's base at the Acklam Green Centre in Middlesbrough, where it was unveiled last month.
Student-Led Creative Journey
Gemma Whitwell, a tutor at the college who led the project, explained the process: "This project was an invaluable experience for our students. They developed artistic skills while also enhancing their independence and communication abilities."
Students traveled around Middlesbrough taking their own photographs of places they found interesting and used a variety of media and techniques, including marbling, foil prints, mono-prints, oil pastels, and fine-liner drawings. "The large final piece was a team effort. The students worked hard adapting the final composition until it was perfect," Whitwell added.
Community Support and Recognition
The project was funded by the Community Recovery Fund, distributed through Middlesbrough Council. A portion of the funding was allocated to the Middlesbrough charity Actes Trust, which ensured the money benefited smaller grassroots organisations that might not normally apply for council funding.
At the unveiling event, a video message of support from renowned Middlesbrough artist Mackenzie Thorpe was played to an audience of students and their families. Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke attended the unveiling and was given a tour of Transitions College.
"I was delighted that we've been able to support such a wonderful project which saw this brilliant piece of art unveiled. The picture reflects Middlesbrough and what it means to our young people, and I was very impressed by the skill and creativity on show," said Mayor Cooke.
About Transitions College
Transitions College helps students develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need for the future. With more than 15 years of experience across special schools, local authority SEND services, and charitable organisations, the college's team brings extensive expertise and a genuine passion for supporting young people to feel accepted and build confidence.
Students develop employability skills, gain meaningful work experience, and grow in independence while working towards recognised qualifications.
