Young people unite to transform their local environment

The project’s goal was to:

• Engage with young people on the Legion Close estate in Southampton

• Provide activities over summer which included enhancing an area of wall, (including a 6 foot galvanised mesh fence on top of it)

• Combat anti-social behaviour

Will Rosie of Graffiti Peace was approached given his experience in community arts projects.

Together with Will, meetings were organised with young residents to agree a design for the wall. The young people were encouraged to create their own designs; the final design was approved by all residents. Over the summer holiday the young residents, working with Will, produced a visually stunning wall mural, which all are extremely proud of. It is a painted underwater scene measuring 12 feet high and 70 feet long with additional mosaic pieces for added effect.

The completion of the project in early September was celebrated with a resident’s BBQ. Solent Productions (part of Solent University) were commissioned to produce a DVD of the making of the mural so that all those involved have a record of their achievements.

Three of the youngsters along with Will Rosie took part in a debate on a local community radio station – Unity 101 – about how art encouraged a group of young residents in Southampton to get together to improve the area they live in.

The overall cost of the project was £7,500 consisting of £3,500 for the mural, £3,000 for the additional mosaics and £1,500 for the anti graffiti finish.

 Project Presentation

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Project Documentary

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