In September 2009 Felpham Art department was asked by the West Sussex Community Safety team to help in the regeneration of the Orchard Way underpass, Bognor Regis. The idea of the project was twofold, firstly to make the underpass more attractive, and secondly, to raise awareness of issues affecting young people. From the start it was emphasized that this work was to be designed and created by a group of young people.
Mr Lister working with a group of year 9 students spent 7 weeks on the project. The first two weeks were spent exploring the subject of bullying, by week 3 it was clear that the language used to describe bullying is an important part of student’s lives. When we visited the site we were not surprised to see that it was a graffiti strewn area, and this plus the young peoples own knowledge and admiration of the work of Banksy was the initial starting point of the project.
The students felt strongly that the behavior of the bully is totally unacceptable and frightening, but felt that in their own experience bullies are often troubled, disturbed young people. The year 9’s therefore adopted as their slogan ‘Bullying why do it? Who’s the real victim?’
Each member of the group was asked to design two letters within the sentence, whilst studying the work of prominent street artists such as Eine and Banksy. The students then made stencils, which were spray painted onto a board, this was then installed on the wall of the underpass.
To the surprise and delight of the students and myself the project won the Innovation award at the West Sussex Safer Place Awards finals in February this year. All of the students are proud to see their work out in the community. I would like to thank the year 9 group for their commitment, creativity and hard work, and thank you to Lee Whiston for answering all of the judges questions so articulately at the finals.
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By Mr Lister
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