Capital Business Media has joined the Mayor of London in backing an art project to paint a giant mural on a community centre wall.
The Mayor of London’s office has pledged £5,000 and Richard Alvin, group managing director of the global business media group, has also made a significant contribution.
The mural will be painted by local artists and co-designed by people of all abilities and backgrounds from the community on the wall outside Sundial Community Centre and will celebrate the community spirit of Tower Hamlets and Hackney in east London.
However, the project, run by artist Rose Hill, can only go ahead if £7,500 is pledged – and financial support is still needed to make it happen.
Rose said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve got the generous support of the Mayor of London and Richard Alvin of Capital Business Media, but this is an all-or-nothing fundraising scheme. If we don’t raise the £7,500 we need, then we don’t get anything at all.
“The Sundial Community Centre is a fabulous place that offers day-care and a range of activities for local people and we plan to hold a series of workshops this summer.
“It will be entirely free for the local community and we will involve everyone including a wide range of ages, ethnicities, and underrepresented groups to attend the workshops. Everyone will be invited to take an active part in creating a mural design that celebrates their community and its diversity and uniqueness.”
“I’ve seen at first-hand how these workshops create confidence, excitement and connection – to our neighbours and the world around us – so I can’t wait to get started.”
There will be 6 free workshops hosted throughout the summer to create the mural, with the first starting on Monday 21st of June.
Local residents will learn new skills like mood-boards, painting and pattern design and their work will create a beautiful community mural which will transform a drab wall and help rejuvenate the area.
The idea has captured the imagination of the local community and Mr Alvin urged other businesses to get involved to help make it a reality.
“Street art, when done in the right way with the passion, enthusiasm and ownership of the local community, can really make an impact,” he said. “It can lift the spirits and the ambition of an area and be a true catalyst for regeneration.
“The Mayor of London’s office has recognised the potential power of this project and I would urge other businesses and organisations to join us to make it happen.”
Other major supporters include the Murgitroyd Foundation, Rymans and London Catalyst.
Rose, a multi-award-winning graphic artist, added that there was much excitement in the community over rumours that a member of the Royal family could unveil the finished mural, saying:
“I’m so excited to make this project a reality and truly believe it will bring so much joy and happiness to our Hackney and Tower Hamlets community,”
The mural is set to be completed by October 2021. To support the project via a pledge or to sign up to the workshops, go to www.rosehilldesigns.co.uk