MODEL VILLAGE COMMISSION FOR RECLAIM THE REDWAYS

Following an open call for proposals, Milton Keynes Council has awarded Cabinet of Curiosity Studio one of five Reclaim the Redways creative commissions to build on the increased public uptake in cycling and walking during the pandemic.

MK Council COVID-19 Economic Recovery Funding has been allocated to encourage people to walk, ride, scoot and use public transport more often as they commute to work, explore their local areas, enjoy being outside and take time out to improve their fitness. The result is Reclaim the Redways, an inspirational and innovative programme of new creative commissions.  A panel selection process chose five commissions from 24 proposals submitted.

Cabinet of Curiosity Studio will be creating and installing ‘a model village’ around the Redway routes encapsulating the spirit of Milton Keynes’ architecture whilst also providing sustainable habitats in the form of Bee Stops, Insect Hotels and Bat Boxes. The collection will then form part of a nature trail which will appeal to nature lovers, families and children.

Other commissioned projects include Redways/Colourways by The Guild Collective, natural dye artists with a shared passion for natural dyes and heritage craft who will be running a series of natural dyeing workshops that will involve participants in exploring the biodiversity of the Redway routes, foraging the flora to make a unique natural dye; Moths to Moonlight – A Lunar Cycle by Illuminos with participants invited to take part in a dusk cycle ride with a miniature video projector mounted to their handlebars depicting one of Milton Keynes’ unique moth species; Redways Reimagined by Lawrence Wheeler, Jo Szram and Luke Mcdonnell, a giant augmented reality mural of the Redway network, with image recognition built in so users can bring the network to life; and Secret Intelligence Network by Rob Key a new documentary film that will explore how Milton Keynes was a discreet centre for secret intelligence in the UK with short films that will create an interactive element on the cycle lanes.