I’ve been working hard managing a project as lead artist for the Younity project with Helix Arts and Creative Central:NCL. This is my first time managing multiple inboxes since I worked at Curious Arts so I’m glad to be working alongside Lindsay Nicholson who’s been fantastic with the facilitation.
The co-artists artwork can now be viewed online!
There were over seventy contributions towards the Younity mural through idea sharing, doodles and submitting artwork. I honestly wish I could do this work forever. I loved meeting all the different people who attended and watching them create their art based on Newcastle and the cultural zone. I was told by an artist who attended one of the workshops that it was the most diverse event he’d ever been to.
To summarise the co-creating and art :
- The artworks consist of artwork submitted in person or by email.
- Each artwork lists the artist, title of their work, and an image description to provide textual access to the visual content.
- Some artworks include ‘In the artist’s words’ section where they have chosen to add more detail.
- Each artwork came from one of five workshops held across three venues and varying times for accessibility during February 2024. Co-artists were given more time to complete their artwork at home after the workshops if they wanted.
- Co-artists came from varying backgrounds, ages and experiences allowing different diverse groups to create together.
You can view the artworks before I start creating the MASSIVE mural inspired by them all on http://www.younitymural.co.uk and click on Artworks on the top banner.
Here’s a few photos from the workshops!
Image Descriptions of workshop photos above: Top row from left to right. 1. Image of different banners with words brainstorming the meaning of ‘Unity’ from three previous workshops, displayed across a large window with light shining through. 2. Image of a workshop with people gathered around a circular table with art supplies. 3. Image of people discussing and creating across a rectangular table during the day time with lots of windows in the background. 4. Image of artist creating on a table with colour tests, with cup of tea and lots of materials. Bottom row from left to right. 5. Image of three large circular tables with lots of people creating together. 6. Image of people in a boardroom with a colourful presentation being projected onto a wall on the left. A flip chart is visible in the background next to a person walking with a camera. 7. People gathered around a rectangular table in the evening busy creating artwork. 8. A colourful table filled with pens, with artist drawing flowers alongside image references.
Sofia Barton Illustration 