Newcastle city centre has introduced a new public art initiative that transforms ordinary utility boxes into vibrant miniature canvases as part of an expanding urban art trail. The project, commissioned by Creative Central NCL, aims to engage the public with free, accessible art that also serves as a creative form of wayfinding by drawing on the city’s cultural and historic landmarks.
Following an open call, works by three artists—Aysha Tengiz and GRAEME from Newcastle, and Emma Bennett from Middlesbrough—were selected. Their decorated utility boxes are now installed across key locations including Clayton Street, Newgate Street, Pink Lane, Westgate Road, and the vicinity of Central Station.
Each artist took a distinct approach to the project. Emma Bennett, whose work frequently explores architecture and urban spaces, viewed the boxes as miniature buildings. Her five utility box designs near Waterloo Square, St Mary’s Church, and Pink Lane reflect notable local structures such as the Tyne Theatre & Opera House and the Powerhouse nightclub. Bennett said her goal is to encourage people to notice the architectural beauty in their surroundings.
Illustrator Aysha Tengiz produced busier, more colourful designs, featuring characters and local elements around Clayton Street and St John the Baptist Church. Her work incorporates iconic landmarks, vehicles, and playful figures to bring a sense of joy and vibrancy to the streets. One of her boxes draws on the shopping areas near Grainger Market and cultural venues including the Centre for Life and the Discovery Museum.
This latest project builds on earlier public art interventions in the city, including the 2024 Forth Lane Urban Gallery near Newcastle Arts Centre. That initiative featured works from a variety of artists who responded to the area’s history and landscape, transforming previously neglected lanes into lively outdoor galleries. Additional contributions have been made around Pink Lane, incorporating diverse themes from wildlife to imaginative shops, with notable installations such as neon overhead art by Raskl and MawsonKerr.
Creative Central NCL’s programme has now grown to over 30 commissions, with new murals appearing on prominent sites including a large-scale collaboration by Jimmy Turrell and Peter Manning (Prefab77) near the upcoming LMA Newcastle creative university on St James’ Boulevard. Further murals are underway on Pink Lane and in local tunnels, and bin stores near Subway are scheduled for artistic enhancement this month.
Applications recently closed for two new mural commissions focused on the theme of Nature versus Industry. These works will be displayed across the former Royal Mail building’s boarded windows and a wall behind The Telegraph pub, reflecting the industrial heritage and natural environment of the Central Gateway Connectivity project area. The £7,000 and £3,000 commissions are expected to be completed between September and December.
In addition, queer artist Pablo Thomas will contribute a mural to Newcastle Coach Station in collaboration with Newcastle Pride and Curious Arts, also slated for September.
Together, these projects are transforming Newcastle’s city centre into an evolving open-air gallery where residents and visitors can discover art as part of their everyday journeys. The initiative highlights the growing creative talent in the North East and aims to leave a lasting cultural impact on the urban environment.