Copmanthorpe Community Arts Project
Copmanthorpe Scout Group is no stranger to running events for their community as it is part of their scouting promise to help other people. When they were approached by the local village parish council to organise an art project, they seized the opportunity to create an activity which would engage the young people with others in their community.
We wanted something permanent and suitable for people of all ages and abilities, and our choice of a ceramic wall mural proved ideal. Whilst potential designs were sketched up and costed by a Rural Arts advisor, the actual detailed content was designed by local residents. The materials and mentoring costs were funded by Lottery Awards for All and York City Ward Council, and permission was obtained from the shop owners where the mural was to be located.
Over three weekends participants made tiles and created, painted and assembled images of past and present life in the village under the watchful eye of experts. Over 80 village residents were involved, and the local scout hall proved to be a suitable venue.
We planned the project completion to coincide with a Community Action Day in the village, so unveiling of the final mural with dignitaries and residents was a great finale to the event. Residents and visitors continue to marvel at the finished product and it’s a common subject of conversation in the village, as well as creating ongoing links between people young and old.
Nigel White, Project Organiser
