A striking new art installation has been unveiled at the historic Old Police Station in Salford.
‘In The Midst of It All’ features a bold graphic composition that combines colour, shape and language, transforming the 1950s building on the Crescent.
The public art piece has been commissioned as part of Salford’s centenary celebrations, marking 100 years since it was granted city status by Royal assent.
The central giant motif of the artwork reads “In The Midst of It All”, which is a nod to the building’s location on the busy A6 at the heart of Crescent’s cultural area and opposite the University’s stand-out red Salford sign.
“We’ve grown up in the area and we have a studio in Paradise Works, Salford, so we were honoured to be chosen for this,” Sian said.
“There’s always a lot happening in Salford, from the cultural spaces through to the everyday flow of people moving through it, so the brief to reflect that felt less about defining the area and more about capturing a sense of activity.”
The artist added: “We’ve created a piece which we feel reflects Salford’s culture and legacy. The vibrancy is captured in every detail, celebrating both Salford’s industrial roots and its evolving creative spirit.”
The colourful facelift given to the former police headquarters was funded by the Crescent Culture Collective (CCC), an organisation that champions cultural activity across the area and supports local artists.
Salford Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Salford Art Collection, The Working Class Movement Library, From the Other and Salford Pride are among the cultural destinations that are part of the CCC.
It was also backed by the Crescent Partnership, a joint venture between the English Cities Fund, Salford City Council and the University of Salford, which is delivering a £2.5bn regeneration project across the 240-acre Salford Crescent area.
Lindsay Taylor, Director of the University of Salford Art Collection and chair of the Crescent Culture Collective, said:
“At the University of Salford, we are proud of our northern heritage and with a dynamic School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, it is really important that we provide opportunities for local artists.
“We are also here to enrich the daily lives of our local communities, so we are delighted with the new artwork.
“It is a deliberate statement of intent about culture and creativity being at the heart of the Crescent. The artists were inspired by their research at the local history library and combined this with their inimitable style.
“This project is the first co-commission by Crescent Culture Collective in collaboration with the wider Crescent partners, and we are delighted that it’s part of the Salford 100 celebrations.”
Designed by the architectural firm Bradshaw, Gass & Hope, the Old Police Stadion building is made of brick and Portland stone and was opened in 1957.
Max Bentham, director of development management at ECF said: “The Old Police Station has long been an important part of Crescent Salford’s cultural identity. This new artwork gives the currently unused building a fresh new look and creates a striking landmark within the Crescent area.
“Salford is a place full of passionate people who are proud of their city; the Crescent Salford masterplan is designed to reflect this and create a place that promotes creativity and culture. The addition of this artwork will certainly brighten the area for anyone passing by.”
Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports and Leisure at Salford City Council, said:
“It is wonderful to see the façade of the Old Police Station on Crescent rejuvenated by Mikesian in this way. I studied at the University of Salford and cannot remember the building ever looking this good!
“A makeover of this scale and creativity is a fitting celebration of one of Salford’s landmark buildings during this Centenary year, and we are delighted with the results.”
