Community arts organisation Heart of Glass, in collaboration with Homotopia, has unveiled a new mural at Prescot train station.
The public artwork, which appears on the footbridge connecting the platforms, is the result of a collaboration between visual artist Emma Colbert, artist/facilitator Leo Soph Welton, young people from The Lee Cooper Foundation, and staff at Northern.
Over a series of workshops, Emma, Leo and their collaborators have experimented with collage, planting, poetry, photography, drawing/painting and placard making and explored their hopes and dreams for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The mural, called Queer Eutopia, explores what a more inclusive and welcoming world would look like for everyone, especially for those in the LGBTQIA+ community and features messages of joy and hope. The title comes from the realistic or attainable concept of a good place; the word ‘utopia’, on the other hand, is a place that does not exist. The project aims to strengthen the local LGBTQIA+ community so that young people have the support they deserve.
Patrick Fox, CEO, Heart of Glass says: “We believe that art can bring us together and we’re thrilled to unveil this bold colourful new mural, celebrating young voices from the LGBTQIA+ community at Prescot train station. The artists Emma Colbert and Leo Soph Walton have collaborated with some amazing young people from The Lee Cooper Foundation and staff at Northern with the intention of bringing a message of joy and hope for the community.”
Lily Spendlove, CEO/Founder, Lee Cooper Foundation says: “Working with Heart of Glass for the mural project has been absolutely amazing. Our young people really enjoyed the art and creative workshops, and feel an incredible sense of pride in what they have created. The artists were amazing and the constant support from Rhyannon and the team has been phenomenal. Our young people and our team have developed great relationships with all involved and we look forward to continuing our partnership.”
The mural follows on from two artworks created by the artists and young collaborators for Knowsley Flower Show. These were limited edition designed “Be An Ally” seed cards, which were available for attendees to take away for free and plant at home and a floral sculpture which is now on display at Lee Cooper Foundation.
The project continues in St Helens, where Emma will collaborate with young people from Newton Community Centre, on another mural for Newton-le-Willows train station.
Supported by Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme. Supported by Homotopia. Created in collaboration with Northern, Lee Cooper Foundation and Newton Community Centre.
The Queer Eutopia forms part of Heart of Glass’ Arts Council England supported Creative People and Places programme.
