Govia Thameslink Railway, Arsenal Football Club and community arts organisation, Co-Creative Connection, which works with local people in order to create transformative projects, creating joyful spaces through vibrant art.

The project will see young people aged between 14 and 15 years of age from City of London Academy Highbury Grove, invited by Arsenal Football Club to attend the workshops which will take place at its Community Hub at Emirates Stadium. The workshops will see a design created for a mural at Finsbury Park station.

Govia Thameslink Railway has awarded a community improvement grant to Co-Creative Connection which was originally founded by artist Rose Hill who will lead the workshops alongside supervising the installation of the mural in 2024.

The first workshop saw Rose guide the participants in creating mood boards, to capture how the young people visualise the mural and what they would like to evoke emotionally from the final artwork.

The second workshop will see the young artists move the project forward through pattern design development, where Rose will coach them while working collaboratively to design the mural.

Rose said:

“Our first workshop at the Arsenal Community Hub showcased incredible creativity. The enthusiasm and engagement from everyone was amazing! Fantastic discussions spark our excitement about where their creativity will lead us with the final mural.”

The project saw the involvement of Arsenal thanks to Govia Thameslink Railway’s community relations team lead, Tracy Jarvis, who has an interest and experience in women’s football.

Tracy Jarvis said:

“With Rose’s creative leadership, Arsenal’s invaluable local relationships and practical support, and our young artists’ enthusiasm and commitment, we’re working together to provide Finsbury Park with a public artwork that will truly enrich the community our station serves.”

Freddie Hudson, Arsenal’s Head of Community, said:

“We’re pleased to come together with GTR and Co-Creative Connection on this social action project, and it’s been fantastic to see the passion that young people have for our local community. The mural project is a way we can bring that passion to life, and showcase their creativity beyond the pitch. We hope it will continue to build on the deep sense of connection and belonging that our local community has with our club and our place in Islington.”