Crawley Library has unveiled its new mural depicting what the future of Crawley looks like to local nine- and ten-year-olds.
The library was able to offer a previously blank wall at the entrance of the Children’s Library to display this 6ft x 6ft vinyl mural permanently, inspired by a series of interactive workshops over several months.
The workshops were led by performance makers Andy Field and Beckie Darlington with Year 5 students from Seymour Primary School and working alongside Creative Crawley.
Karl Singporewala, a British artist and architect born in Crawley, was tasked with creating the mural based on the pupil’s creative sessions, where they explored topics such as architecture and urban planning, politics, community and science fiction, to create their future Crawley.
The finished piece is a vibrant and striking image, with everything from elephants, giraffes and squirrels to houses on legs and flying e-scooters.
Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “This mural is absolutely fantastic and has clearly tapped into the great minds that young children have. When you look at the image you can see the children’s future Crawley is bright, colourful, inclusive and full of hope and this makes me feel proud, not only as a county councillor, but as a resident of the area myself.
“I would encourage anyone who can visit to come along and take a look at the mural and be inspired by what the children of Crawley see for the future of the town. It is an inspiration and if nothing else, will leave you smiling.”
The mural stems from a live performance called Lookout, by Andy Field and Beckie Darlington, which enables a group of local primary school children to imagine a new future for their town and then share their vision with an audience of local adults, including politicians and policymakers.
The performances took place on top of the Town Hall Car Park in partnership with Crawley Borough Council from 28 – 30 April 2022.
The season of celebrations, as part of the ‘Enliven: Crawley’s Future Through Young Eyes’ included Lookout and was curated and produced by Creative Crawley and funded by Crawley Town Centre Business Improvement District.
The celebrations were designed to celebrate the 75th anniversary year of Crawley becoming a new town.
Louise Blackwell, Creative Director, Creative Crawley, said: “We are so happy to be able to share the thoughts, ideas and visions of Crawley’s future by the young people who live here. Their voices matter and the brilliant children in Broadfield have, with Karl, made something very inspiring.”
Council submits Local Plan for Chichester District
Police back on the road to engage with motorcyclists during May bank holiday
Historical win for Chichester City
Police arrest two men in Eastbourne
Local Election 2024 Results
VIDEO: Aerial footage shows full extent of mass ‘rave’
UPDATE: Lightning strikes across the South Coast
Four men taking on World’s Toughest Row benefit from university sports expertise
Local Elections: Voting begins across the South Coast
CCTV images released following theft of gold chain in Havant
On Air