Love the the Word - Anti Racism Mural Project

GemArts, with Creative Ginger Artist Andy Morley, have come together to work with 9 young people from Excelsior Academy to create an aerosol arts piece representing their thoughts around combating Racism.

Over the last 8 weeks, the young people have been developing their creative skills, discussing and debating discrimination in all its forms to produce art work that positively reflects their own identities as well as their local community.

The project, delivered by North East based arts organisation GemArts and funded by Barnados through Newcastle City Council, has enabled the young people to develop and showcase not only their artistic talents, but also develop a community sense of belonging and purpose.

The young people have displayed fantastic new creative skills, showed increased confidence and self-esteem throughout the project and displayed great team working skills and mutual respect for one another.

“In the current climate with far right extremism and EDL Marches, it was refreshing to see what young people felt within local communities, that everyone should live and work together to create strong, safe communities. The young people have worked brilliantly together over the last few weeks to create this artwork. They have experienced working alongside professional artist, Andy Morley, and gained new creative skills. The young people are really looking forward to seeing their hard work displayed at Felling Metro station which will be seen by so many people” – Alexandra Marsden, Project Manager, GemArts

Excelsior Academy’s school population is amongst the most diverse in the region, with students from 50 different countries. Partnering with leading arts organisation GemArts, who deliver high quality arts based projects that promote a greater understanding of cultural diversity, the project has enabled the young people to devise an arts piece with a lasting legacy and message that everyone should “Love” and respect each other.

“The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the project and were delighted to see the finished piece of artwork. Interestingly, very few of them have used the metro before so I think it will be a really momentous occasion for them to see the mural once it has been displayed.

This particular group were chosen from year 8 and year 9. Prior to this project, this combination of pupils had not worked together but clearly developed excellent teamwork skills. They were able to work collaboratively and openly share ideas. I was particularly touched by the enthusiasm shown by some of the less confident pupils.

They, deservingly, seemed very proud of their own achievements!

The theme of anti-racism was chosen by the pupils. It is a theme we have explored a lot at school, and the pupils have enjoyed taking a creative approach to tackling this issue with GemArts and Andy the artist. They felt it was important to portray the message of ‘loving your neighbour’, regardless of skin colour.” Ellen Brown, Curriculum Support Worker, Excelsior Academy.

The final artwork will be displayed by NEXUS in Felling Metro station.