Don’t miss Cambridge BID’s Window Wanderland art trail
Sponsored feature with Cambridge BID
An array of beautiful artworks has been created by the community for Cambridge BID’s Window Wanderland art trail.
Launched on January 27, it runs until February 19 and covers a host of neighbourhoods, office blocks and businesses around the city.
They are proudly displaying their diverse installations in their windows for everyone to discover, based on this year’s theme of ‘the living planet’.
The project encourages everyone to experiment in mixed media.
Among those taking part is Clayton Hotel Cambridge. Claudia Galelli, director of marketing at the hotel, said: “We took part in Window Wanderland last year and were really impressed. We thought it was a very clever initiative involving artists around the area creating beautiful displays, especially because of the attention it brought to CB1 and the station area.
“We definitely wanted to take part again and it’s been a great success so far. The design that our artist, Ian, has created is a piece made from hundreds of tiny animals created in origami. From a distance it looks like a beautiful colourful design but as you get close up you can see this incredible levels of detail in all these different shapes and animals made from colourful paper.
“The theme is the living planet and the work really matches up to that. We asked if the artist could use greens to match with our hotel design and so it fits in very well in the hotel.
“We have noticed people outside stopping to look or even crossing over to see it because it stands out so much. And the hotel guests have been exploring the work too.”
Since Cambridge BID held its first Window Wanderland trail, the project has proved successful at encouraging people to get out and about, and enjoy the city.
It helps to connect people with businesses, charities and neighbourhoods. Taking the time to tour the art trail also proves a great way to spend time with family and friends, while appreciating the architecture and beauty of the city. And it is well known that spending time outside can boost our mental health too.
Abby Pollock, project manager at Cambridge BID, said: “I always count myself lucky to live and work in a city like Cambridge which culturally thrives. The Window Wanderland project has consistently highlighted the potential that art and creativity has to bridge together the varied communities based in the city, whether that be local residents, office workers or traders.
“This encourages and pioneers the opportunity for future collaborations and creates a delightful sense of community.”
The Station Road area is one of the prime locations to enjoy the visual delights of the Wanderland trail and is filled with a variety of artistic pieces and murals.
It has enabled the office sector and local artists to join forces and provide a new immersive experience for employers and other commuting workers.
One of the artists involved is Sa’adiah Khan, who runs Sadi Soul Arts and has provided art for 50-60 Station Road – home to WeWork and Cushman & Wakefield.
She said: “I was asked to be involved after one of the organisers came to see my work during Cambridge Open Studios. I often paint murals or do community art projects so this seemed like a good fit.
“I have had great fun creating this artwork. I wanted to bring in ideas from the community about what I should to with the theme ‘the living planet’, so I ran a couple of workshops. I took ideas from people who came along and asked others locally for their input.
“I’m exhibiting in three large windows and have themed them ‘land’, ‘air’ and ‘underwater’. They are filled with the different creatures and living things that people wanted me to include such as jellyfish, shells, seaweed, tress, plants, leaves and butterflies. It’s so uplifting to see colour everywhere on this art trail, especially as we are coming out of winter – I would love to see more public art everywhere!
“It really engages people and even while I was installing the work, people were coming up to me and asking about it.”
Artist Ewa Pandera worked on the display at the IBIS Hotel.
“The Window Wanderland annual event in Cambridge is a great opportunity for local artists to show their artwork,” said Ewa.
“In my project for Ibis Hotel, I have combined iconic Cambridge landmarks, like King’s College, Bridge of Sighs and Great St Mary’s Church with the overgrown trees. The message is that nature and science can work together to solve the problems facing our living planet.”
Visit cambridgebid.co.uk/window-wanderland for more.
