1. Introduction

2. Overview & Partners

3. Good Practice

4. Project Examples

   1. Arts on the Trail
   2. Bethlehem View
   3. Crossways Toilet Block
   4. Cultural Voices
   5. Journeys - Cotherstone
   6. Peases West Railway Walk
   7. Time'lines
   8. Youth Vision - Ballymena

5. Useful Contacts

6. Groundwork UK

Crossways Toilet Block

Groundwork Solent worked in partnership with GBC, Portsmouth Housing Association and local youth groups. After consultation with all involved, James Waterfield, our resident artist, was asked to design a mural depicting the history of Gosport in a way that the young people could relate to it. The project was designated as a ‘quick fix’ so time was limited to get a quick result. James met with the young people and the community to come up with the idea of a mosaic effect mural of the Bishop of Winchester's landing in 1140AD giving rise to the name Gosport, derived from 'Gods Port our Haven' which is what he is supposed to have said on his salvation and is written within the towns crest.

Project Aims

Gosport Borough Council Approached Groundwork Solent to help them ‘brighten up’ the area known as a ‘hang out’ for young people.

How We Did It

After the consultation process was complete, James took the lead on the project and costed out the paints including an anti-graffiti coating which would be easily cleaned should any damage befall the mural. Workshops were selectively advertised in the area and young people attended to help James create the mural. They used square cut sponges and roller trays to print a very effective ‘mosaic’ picture. On completion of the work, James coated the mural with the anti-graffiti varnish.

Key Learning Points

• Involving the young people has encouraged them to have ownership and therefore no significant damage has yet befallen the work.
• Involving the community in the design has allowed all age groups to have a say in the development and the result is a cross generation success, a picture everyone can relate to.
• Health and Safety on a site such as this needs to be very carefully investigated, we had to deal with a main road, public access and community shopping/car park not to mention the toilets themselves!

Top Tips

• Ensure you involve the WHOLE community across the generations in all development and design stages of your project where it will have an impact on a public space.
• The Anti-graffiti coating is expensive but well worth the cost. Coovar is a compound mixture made up on site with two chemicals and painted on with a brush.
• When working on a public site such as this it is advisable to inform the local Police of your intentions. They can be very helpful.

Further details

Commissioner

• Groundwork Solent

Artists

• James Waterfield

Project partners

• Gosport Borough Council
• Portsmouth Housing Association

Other participants

• Local Youth Groups

1. Groundwork Arts Toolkit

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