Last Updated on 11/11/2024 by Admin

Local Youth and Artists Come Together to Transform Public Spaces through Collaborative Mosaic Art

Urban Eye, a small community-driven charity based in London, is our newest partner and in collaboration with our young people, helped us to create the new mosaic art outside the club on Freston Road. This initiative brings together local youth and community members to create a striking public art installation, enhancing the local landscape while fostering creativity, teamwork, and pride among participants.

25 Years of Transforming Spaces through Art

Urban Eye, a small charity with 25 years of experience, has been dedicated to improving public spaces through vibrant community art projects. The charity works with schools, youth clubs, and organisations across London to engage young people in creative, hands-on projects. Over the years, the charity has undertaken a variety of initiatives, from beautifying rail bridges with Network Rail to spearheading smaller local projects with ceramics and mosaic tiles.

“The process of bringing an idea from the drawing board to the walls of our community takes time, collaboration, and commitment,” says Miles, from Urban Eye. “Our focus is always on ensuring that the end result is something the community can take pride in and enjoy. Every piece of art we create is intended for public spaces where everyone can engage with it.”

Urban Eye’s projects focus on a range of artistic forms, with ceramic tiles being the most frequently used medium. These are designed and constructed by participants, typically young people, who go through drawing workshops to develop their artistic ideas. From there, the designs are digitized, refined, and transformed into mosaics that are ultimately installed in public places for everyone to enjoy.

A Community Effort: Youth and Artists in Collaboration

This latest collaboration with the Harrow Club aims to involve young people from all backgrounds in the creative process. The project kicked off with a series of drawing workshops, where local children were invited to experiment with designs and ideas. These sessions allowed participants to explore their creativity in a welcoming and safe environment, where their contributions were valued, and their artistic voices were heard.

“Art has an incredible way of bringing people together, especially young people who may be engaging in a new creative activity for the first time,” says Michael Defoe, CEO of Harrow Club. “What’s special about this project is that it’s all about building something as a team. Everyone gets to see their contribution come to life in a permanent way, which is a hugely empowering experience.”

After the initial design phase, the participants move on to the construction stage, working with professional artists and facilitators to assemble the mosaic on panels. Once completed, these panels will be installed at the final location—a highly visible public space that will provide an uplifting focal point for the entire community.

A Learning Journey for All Ages

The collaborative process goes beyond artistic expression; it’s also an educational experience. Many participants, initially hesitant about their ability to contribute, find confidence as they see their work take shape. By working together to create something larger than themselves, these young people gain not only artistic skills but also valuable life lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and achievement.

“When young people see their artwork installed in a public place, it gives them a real sense of accomplishment,” says Micheal. “Many start out saying they’re not artistic, but once they see their designs up on the wall, that changes. There’s a real sense of pride in knowing they’ve contributed to something lasting.”

The mosaic project serves as a testament to the power of community collaboration, turning creative ideas into reality and leaving a positive, lasting impact on both the participants and the wider public.

“We’re thrilled to have partnered with the Harrow Club on this initiative,” says Miles. “This project has shown us the impact that public art can have on a community and its young people, and we’re eager to explore more opportunities in the future.”