A vibrant new art exhibition titled Moving Murals was officially unveiled at Oxford Parkway station on Thursday 27 March, showcasing the creativity and voices of young people from Oxford and Banbury. The project celebrates local identity, community pride, and cultural diversity through five striking art installations, now on display for all station users to enjoy.
The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership (OxCRP), Chiltern Railways, and local community artists. Funded by Chiltern Railways’ Community Investment Fund, Moving Murals supported young people in developing new skills through creative workshops involving lino printing, collaging, and sign-making.
These sessions allowed participants to explore themes of place and identity while crafting personal narratives rooted in their local communities. The resulting artworks have been transformed into large-scale murals, enriching the station environment with colour, storytelling, and local pride.
Hannah McDonnell, Executive Director of OxCRP, said:
“We are so unbelievably proud to showcase the new exhibition, which not only celebrates the individual talents of young people from our communities but also highlights the power of art in expressing local identity and transforming places. The creativity and passion behind each piece is a testament to the talent of the young people involved, and the artists that helped bring this all to life.”
Zach Bailey, Regional Growth Manager at Chiltern Railways, added:
“These displays will significantly improve the look and feel of the platforms at Oxford Parkway, whilst also telling the unique stories of people who live in Oxfordshire. The project is a wonderful example of how our Community Investment Fund can deliver genuine social value and celebrate the communities we serve.”
The launch event brought together community stakeholders, artists, and the young people behind the exhibition, highlighting the positive impact of local partnerships and the importance of art in public spaces. As part of the 200th anniversary celebrations of the UK railways in 2025, the exhibition also reflects the evolving role of rail stations as hubs for community engagement and cultural expression.
For more information on OxCRP, visit oxfordshirecommunityrail.org. For more on Chiltern Railways, visit chilternrailways.co.uk.
