Fifteen budding public artists have celebrated the completion of murals that have turned underpasses in their area into works of art. Working alongside professional artists and staff from Hamilton Universal Connections, the group designed and created the murals to reflect the identity, history and aspirations of the Woodhead and Fairhill communities.
Community-led project
The work is Phase 1 of UC Re:Create’s community-led public art project, supported by the council’s Youth, Family and Community Learning Service (YFCL), with financial support from South Lanarkshire Council and the council-administered Renewable Energy Fund (REF). The project demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when young people are empowered to lead positive change within their own communities.
Kevin Carr, the council’s executive director of enterprise resources, said: "UC Re:Create is an excellent example of what community learning and development can achieve when young people are trusted to lead meaningful change within their communities. The creativity, commitment and dedication shown by the young people involved has been truly inspiring, and the transformation of these public spaces reflects the pride they have in their local area."
Extensive community engagement
To ensure the artwork truly represents the people who use these spaces every day, there was extensive engagement with more than 120 pupils from St Peter’s, Neilsland, Woodhead and St Mark’s primary schools, who contributed ideas through creative workshops. Involving 10 local community groups and carrying out more than 200 face-to-face interviews with local people also ensured a diverse range of voices helped shape the artwork.
Lianne Grieve, YFCL service manager, said: "What makes this project particularly special is that it has been shaped by the community at every stage to create something lasting and meaningful. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the project, particularly our young people, whose vision and hard work have left a legacy that will be enjoyed by the Woodhead and Fairhill communities for many years to come."
Positive reception and next steps
Throughout the eight days of painting, local community members stopped to speak with the young people, learn about the project, and watch the artwork develop. The murals have also received overwhelming praise from the local community both in person and across social media.
Following the success of the murals, final artistic enhancements will now be added to the remaining external wing walls, completing the overall transformation and creating an even greater visual impact.
