Stunning artwork brings community together
Chelmsford residents helped create Connecting Worlds mural at Anglia Ruskin
The giant Connecting Worlds mural at ARU's Chelmsford campus. Photograph by Lawker Media
A stunning piece of artwork has been created in Chelmsford by local residents and street artists to celebrate the world-leading research being carried out by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).
The 36ft wide by 12ft high Connecting Worlds mural has been unveiled on the side of the Marconi building at ARU’s Chelmsford campus facing towards New Street, once home to the world’s first purpose-built radio factory.
The mural was painted by a group of older members of the Chelmsford community, under guidance from street artists Brave Arts. Research has shown that taking part in artistic activities can boost self-esteem and confidence, improve physical health and lead to better social connections.
In the mural, the older adults that took part in the project are represented gazing into the eyes of the child, who will be witness to technologies the older people can only imagine today.
The global perspective illustrates the trade, information and communication routes that criss-cross the world as light beams across its surface.
The artwork was created over the course of five days, and was the first experience of street art for many of the participants, who were also involved in discussions around how the mural should look.
This project has been led by Culture Chelmsford, Chelmsford Creative Collective, Anglia Ruskin University, and Chelmsford Council for Voluntary Services (Chelmsford CVS) via UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) awarded by Chelmsford City Council to strengthen cultural social prescribing, with 18 small grants awarded for community projects.
“The idea for the design is based on both the research being done at ARU, and the connection between the older members of our community and the young. Our older volunteers did an absolutely amazing job in bringing the design to life and I know everyone is really proud of the final mural.”
Founder of the Chelmsford Creative Collective, Candy JoyceThe mural is part of the launch of the Connecting Worlds research hub, which brings together some of the world-leading research being carried out by academics at ARU and is aimed at making it more accessible to the public.
“The mural is a stunning piece of work that represents both the global reach of our research, and also our commitment to our local communities.
“Our new Connecting Worlds research hub highlights that ARU, like many universities in the UK, carries out world-class research that benefits all parts of society.
“At ARU, this ranges from developing new treatments for cataracts, to helping to save the UK from future food shortages, to highlighting discrimination in the labour market and working to revive endangered languages. We encourage everyone to explore the innovative work being carried at ARU.”
Professor Yvonne Barnett, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at ARU
“We are passionate about supporting projects which strengthen links between creativity, community, wellbeing, and innovation in Chelmsford. We firmly believe that when communities play an active role in shaping cultural decisions, everyone thrives. This inspiring and thought-provoking work developed between local artists and older people in the community stands as a testament to this vision.”
Culture Chelmsford Chief Executive Claire Gevaux