ART CLUBBERS

GOODMAYES TRAIN STATION - LONDON

"Welcome to Goodmayes" was an ambitious street art project aimed at engaging young people in the creative process and transforming the borough's public spaces. The project's main objective was to create a vibrant mural reflecting the diversity and unity of the local community. By bringing together various groups, from young people to local residents and businesses, the project aimed to showcase Goodmayes as an exciting destination in anticipation of the arrival of the Crossrail Elizabeth line.

To ensure a wide range of perspectives were included in the mural's design, a design competition was held, involving input from local residents and surrounding areas. An impressive 460 residents participated in the public vote, and a panel formed by Redbridge Council and local businesses, including Hadley Property Group, selected the winning design.

The winning entry was created by 13-year-old Redbridge resident Tahani, who drew inspiration from the borough's diversity. Tahani's design featured people of different backgrounds with their shirts spelling "Together," representing the aspiration for the community to work, live, and study in harmony.

For the project's second phase, international mural artist Molly Hawkins was brought on board to develop the final mural using Tahani's winning design as inspiration. Molly aimed to honour the original design by retaining the figures and adding complementary patterns to bring the energy of the drawing to life.

The completed mural was placed outside Goodmayes Station, effectively transforming the area and injecting a sense of joy and vibrancy into the space. The project made art accessible to all, fostering inclusivity and celebrating the local community's unique characteristics.

The Goodmayes Train Station Mural project successfully engaged various community groups in the creative process, promoting a sense of unity and collaboration. The final artwork stands as a testament to the community's shared values and aspirations for the future.

Tahani, the design competition winner, expressed her pride in seeing her vision come to life: "It's interactive as people can stand in front of the painted people!" Molly Hawkins, the mural artist, also highlighted the project's transformative impact: "Seeing that transformation and the smiles and responses from people is just really nice."

Paint Assistants - Eloisa Henderson I Nadina Ali I Shirin Majid I Milla Clarke

Photography by Bibby Productions