Vibrant Nigerian-Inspired Artwork Unveiled at Milton Keynes Station Square
A vibrant, Nigerian-inspired artwork titled "Walk With Your Dreams" has been unveiled at Milton Keynes' Station Square, transforming the area into a welcoming and colourful public space. Designed by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori MBE, the installation aims to guide pedestrians towards the city centre and celebrate the city's creativity and diversity.
A Celebration of Culture and Community
The unveiling of "Walk With Your Dreams" was marked by an afternoon of music, poetry, dance, and art, attended by Milton Keynes Mayor James Lancaster and Councillor Shanika Mahendran. The artwork, commissioned by Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) and the City Council, features striking colours and patterns inspired by Nigerian textiles and the Milton Keynes community.
Shanika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, stated, "This is much more than a stunning piece of art, it’s a real celebration of our city’s creativity and diversity." She added, "Station Square is the gateway to our city and this installation welcomes everyone with colour, culture and inspiration."
Design and Purpose
Integrated into the flooring of Station Square, "Walk With Your Dreams" serves as a 'wayfinding' artwork, directing pedestrians towards underpasses leading to the city centre. The design incorporates bold colours and patterns intended to invigorate the space and create a more welcoming atmosphere for visitors arriving at the busy city arrival point. The installation spans over 3,027 square meters.
The artwork is complemented by a new planting scheme featuring species selected for their beauty, biodiversity, and sustainability. Ilori wanted the stripes in the artwork to "make you feel like you want to run", capturing the invigorating energy of the mural as a whole.
Inspiration and Meaning
Yinka Ilori, a North Londoner, explained that his love for the people of Milton Keynes inspired him to submit a proposal for the square revamp. Drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings and dynamism of Milton Keynes, "Walk With Your Dreams" aims to celebrate the area's visionary origins, dynamic present, and ambitious future.
Ilori said, "With a thriving Nigerian community and growing arts scene, Milton Keynes is a location that aligns with my values of bringing art to wider audiences and to fostering connection and community."
A Symbol of Urbanism and Integration
Milton Keynes, despite its recent city status acquired in 2022, is considered a positive example of contemporary urbanism. The city boasts a high number of start-ups per capita and is known for its commitment to outdoor living solutions and cultural integration. The Black African population is one of the city's fastest-growing minority ethnic communities.
The installation will make moving around town more intuitive by redirecting people to the underpasses that lead to Milton Keynes' city center through its stripy, eye-catching 'arms'.
A Lasting Impression
Nicola Sawford, Chair of MKDP, said, "Station Square is an incredibly important space and complements our wider plans to create a modern and deserving city centre... Bringing these projects together will give local people public spaces they can be proud of and create a strong first impression to our growing city." It is hoped that the project will create a strong impression and welcome visitors arriving in Milton Keynes.
