A group of young people from the Heatherlands area have
worked to improve their community and gain a recognised
qualification at the same time - by re-painting a community centre
wall, previously plagued by illegal graffiti.
The
week-long course, which took place during the school holidays from
11 – 15 August 2008, was offered to children, aged 10 to 18, from
the Heatherlands area.
Around 35 young people took part in the
project, entitled ‘Your Space 2008’. They learnt the art of
spray-painting and graffiti from London-based, urban arts
specialists, Point Blank.
By the end of the week, students had completed
a design on the large wall at the back of Heatherlands Community
Centre and were eligible for an Open College Network accreditation
in Graffiti Art.
Lead organiser of the project, PC Julian Humphries of Heatherlands
& Ferndown Links Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Your Space
2008 was inspired by a previous project to paint a mural onto the
rear of the centre.
“The mural, which was completed in 2003, lost
its integrity when building alterations were carried out and the
mural was defaced by illegal graffiti.
“Consequently, the local community identified
the wall as an eye-sore, and also raised the lack of facilities for
young people as a neighbourhood concern, through the
PACT
process.
“This project, which is more structured and
provided us with an opportunity to engage with young people for the
duration of the week-long course, was the perfect solution to both
concerns.
“On behalf of myself and all the young people
involved, I would like to thank East Dorset District Council for
funding the project as part of its commitment to improving
facilities and career opportunities for young people in the local
area.”
The project received backing from a number of
other organisations including Dorset Fire & Rescue Service who
washed down the wall prior to painting, Wickes who donated £100
worth of paint and rollers, and a team of ex-offenders on community
service who painted a base coat onto the wall.
For more information on forthcoming events or for further
details on how you can contact the Heatherlands and Ferndown Safer
Neighbourhood Team and PACT panel, visit the Heatherlands and Ferndown SNT
pages on this website or call 01202 222 222.