Artwork from Metro’s new trains is showcased at BALTIC

Blazing Trails, by local artist Sofia Barton, is a striking feature on board the new Metro trains – and the work has now gone on display at Baltic’s latest Shop2 takeover exhibition.

The Pop-up shop takeover, which runs 18 April-27 September, celebrates the “hidden” heritage and community leaders of our region, and includes the vibrant work from Barton’s celebrated ‘Trailblazers’ mural on Metro.

Metro operator Nexus commissioned the work for the new Metro trains in 2021.

There are four different commissions permanently displayed inside the 46 new Metro carriages, seen by thousands of customers each day.

It was part of a collaboration by Nexus and train manufacturer Stadler, with funding from Arts Council England through its National Lottery Project Grants programme.

Sofia said: “It’s surreal and fantastic to have my artwork from the new Metro trains on display at Baltic.

“When I secured that commission from Nexus in 2021 I never thought it would get to this point, where my work is on show at one of the country’s most prestigious art galleries.

“When I was asked by the team at Baltic to be part of the pop-up shop exhibition I thought it would be great to put my Blazing Trails work into that space. It’s got that connection to the hidden heritage of the North East and to the Metro – where people see this artwork on board the new trains each and every day.

“I remain really proud that my work is part of everyday life on the Tyne and Wear Metro.”

Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “It’s fantastic to see Sofia Barton’s artwork from our new Metro train fleet on display at this new exhibition at Baltic.

“All four pieces that we commissioned for the new trains are a striking feature of them when you get on board, capturing what it means to live in North East England.

“They have become a treasured part of the new Meto trains, which have been transformative for our customers since the roll out began.

“Nexus has a long tradition in commissioning public and community art across our stations, but this project was the first in Metro’s 46-year history that we have commissioned major works on board the trains.

“We hope that people enjoy going to see the Metro artwork at Baltic.”

In the spirit of the “Trailblazers” project, the shop will also feature unique artworks for sale from local community and charitable organisations connected to both Baltic and Nexus.

This initiative provides a vital platform for marginalised voices, including disabled and neurodiverse artists, to share their own heritage and creativity. By highlighting these often-overlooked perspectives, the space becomes a true celebration of the North East’s diverse social fabric, ensuring that joy and artistic expression are accessible to all.

Sofia Barton is a multi-disciplinary artist from Newcastle whose work is inspired by both nature and heritage, exploring issues of feminism, gender and sexuality and draws on her Punjabi family roots.

Her work explores the hidden histories and diverse communities which make North East England a vibrant and inclusive place to live.

Alongside the celebration of her ‘Hidden heritage’ artwork Sofia’s self-funded Trailblazers pop up features a special community plinth. This initiative introduces various charities and organisations from marginalised communities, offering them a retail platform to share their stories and art.

The community plinth will include artists from Prism Arts, the Feel Good group from GemArts, The DGA Collective, and The Newbridge Project.

Find out more about the Shop2 exhibition at Baltic: www.baltic.art/barton