Arsenal football club partners with Govia Thameslink Railway for art workshops

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Arsenal football club and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) have teamed up with community art organisation Co-Creative Connection to launch a series of art workshops in which local young people will design a mural for Finsbury Park station.

Arsenal have invited 14- to 15-year-olds from the nearby City of London Academy Highbury Grove to attend the workshops atthe club’s Community Hub, at Emirates Stadium.

To fund the mural’s creation, GTR have awarded a community improvement grant to Co-Creative Connection, founded by professional artist Rose Hill. Rose is leading the workshops and will supervise the installation of the station’s mural next year.

Tracy Jarvis, who leads GTR’s community relations team, was able to recruit Arsenal’s involvement thanks to her interest and experience in women’s football.

At the first workshop, Rose guided each participant to produce a creative mood board, gathering and reflecting their feelings about what visual and emotional effects they want the mural to evoke.

In the next workshop Rose will take the young artists through the development of pattern designs, and then they’ll be coached in working collaboratively to co-design the mural itself.

Rose said: “Our first workshop at the Arsenal Community Hub showcased incredible creativity. The enthusiasm and engagement from everyone was amazing! Fantastic discussions spark our excitement about where their creativity will lead us with the final mural.”

Tracy Jarvis said: “With Rose’s creative leadership, Arsenal’s invaluable local relationships and practical support, and our young artists’ enthusiasm and commitment, we’re working together to provide Finsbury Park with a public artwork that will truly enrich the community our station serves.”

Freddie Hudson, Arsenal’s Head of Community, said: “We’re pleased to come together with GTR and Co-Creative Connection on this social action project, and it’s been fantastic to see the passion that young people have for our local community. The mural project is a way we can bring that passion to life, and showcase their creativity beyond the pitch. We hope it will continue to build on the deep sense of connection and belonging that our local community has with our club and our place in Islington.”

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