Exciting augmented reality exhibition launches at Bridgwater Train Station
'Hidden Station' encourages commuters to get out their phone and interact with the stories of our community
From today, a truly unique augmented reality exhibition's coming to Bridgwater.
'Hidden Station' is launching at Platform 2 of Bridgwater train station, and runs until March next year.
The project started by commissioning artists David McMillan and Jayde Perkin to meet with users of Bridgwater Railway station to create a series of stories celebrating and people’s connection to the station.
The artists then illustrated these stories, with Bristol based Zubr Curio creating augmented reality filters that can now enable visitors to bring them to life using their own smart devices.
Paul Webster, Support and Development Manager with Community Rail Network, said: "Railway stations have a long history of being more than just places to catch a train, they are also places where people meet and connect into the lives of local communities too.”
After working together last year on Seed’s ‘What if?’ project that saw community co-created images and poetry displayed in public advertising spaces, Seed and Severnside Community Rail Partnership talked to Bridgwater Railway Station users about what kind of arts project they might like to see at the station.
Seed Director Scott O’Hara said: “People generally said the same thing - while they liked the idea of there being some creative element at the station, their usual way of spending the time at the station was on their phones."
Scott told us their whole purpose is to introduce people to the arts who don't usually participate - and that's where they came up with the idea of introducing augmented reality.
He added: "We saw an opportunity to bring those two ideas together and create something that could be enjoyed via a smart phone or other device.
"In this project, visitors will see some fantastically bright and colourful illustrations - and with a smart device, can see them really come to life.
"There will be a sense of community and pride, and people really like when artworks transform spaces such as this.
"The whole point is celebrating of people who live in the town and use the station, and it's an exciting project to see."
Faye Keane, Severnside Community Rail Partnership’s Community Development Officer, added: “This is our first venture using Augmented Reality, and we are so impressed with the playful way it allows people to engage with Bridgwater station.
"This ambitious exhibition creatively shares stories from the community to other local residents and passengers, creating a deeper connection to the station and enhancing the value it has for everyone passing through.”
GWR station manager Debbie Ferris said: “This is a fabulous new addition to Bridgwater station and we’re sure our customers are going to enjoy seeing how Hidden Station has helped to bring community stories to life. This is another brilliant example of the work Severnside Community Rail Partnership does in the local community through working with organisations like Seed.
"GWR has 10 Community Rail Partnerships on our network and we are incredibly proud of the work they do. They have great local knowledge and I know that they all work incredibly hard, as volunteers, inspiring sustainable improvements to their community and the local economy.”
With the support of a range of funders including Arts Council England, the National Lottery and the Community Rail Network, the exhibition will be launched by the Mayor of Bridgwater today (July 14) and run through to the end of March next year.
Paul Webster added: “We are pleased and excited to have been able to contribute funding towards this creative and innovative art project which has worked with that community to tell and share their hidden stories about Bridgwater's elegant station with a much wider audience, connecting the present with the past and the community with its railway."
You can find out more about the Hidden Station project here.