As we close the chapter on 2024, we at Co-Creative Connection are taking a moment to reflect on the incredible year we’ve had. From creating murals that transform public spaces to fostering deep connections within communities, this year has been nothing short of inspiring. Each project brought with it new challenges, fresh perspectives, and most importantly, a celebration of the power of collaborative art.
Celebrating Diversity with the Finsbury Park Station, GTR, Great Northern and Arsenal Football Club Mural
Kicking off the year with creativity and community pride, we partnered with Thameslink, Great Northern, and Arsenal in the Community to transform Finsbury Park Station. Together with 13 students from City of London Academy Highbury Grove, we co-designed a mural that celebrates cultural diversity, local stories, and youthful creativity.
The project involved four dynamic workshops, where young participants explored colour theory, pattern-making, and co-design techniques. These sessions empowered students to shape the mural’s vibrant design, reflecting traditions from Ghanaian, Somali, and other global cultures.
The final installation, spanning two hand-painted sections and 14 striking vinyl panels, brought life and colour to the station, creating a welcoming space that embodies the community’s unity. Beyond its visual impact, the project helped young artists develop artistic skills, confidence, and pride, with many expressing excitement at seeing their creativity on public display where 3.4 million people pass each year.
Bringing Love and Healing to Islington’s NHS Trust Mental Health Centre
One of our proudest achievements this year was the co-designed mural at the new NHS Trust Integrated Community Mental Health Centre in Islington. This project, created in collaboration with the NHS Trust and local community members, transformed the main entrance of the Lowther Road facility into a vibrant and welcoming space.
The process began with two creative workshops, held in February and March, where participants explored colour, pattern-making, and co-designing as they tapped into their creativity. These workshops became a safe space for individuals to express themselves and see their ideas come to life.
The resulting 4x4 metre mural reflects themes of love, healing, and compassion, incorporating individual designs from the participants into a cohesive and colourful tapestry. Positive phrases interwoven into the artwork promote well-being, while the collaborative nature of the project reinforces the importance of community cohesion. This mural is more than a beautiful piece of art, it’s a testament to the healing power of creativity and a source of pride for everyone involved.
Transforming the Carpenter’s Estate in Stratford with the Populo Living 1250 metre Art Trail
In Stratford, we took on one of our most ambitious projects yet: the Populo Living Art Trail. Spanning an incredible 1250 metres, this project reimagined public spaces with bold wall murals, playful floor art, and bursts of colour on planters and pathways around the Carpenter’s Estate.
The trail was all about creating spaces that invited interaction and connection. Highlights included an interactive A-Z ladder, hopscotch, and other mini-games embedded within the designs, which sparked movement and joy for visitors of all ages. From children hopping with excitement to adults and seniors rediscovering the simple pleasure of play, the art trail reminded us that creativity can break barriers and bring communities together in the most delightful ways.
Our expansive 25-square-metre floor art beautifully captured the essence of the area, while our vibrant wall murals led viewers on a captivating visual journey. These designs were inspired by and scaled up from our 2023 Populo Living Mural in Stratford, allowing us to revisit and reimagine past creations in a bold, larger-than-life way.
This project is a celebration of Carpenter’s Estate in Stratford’s vibrancy and a reflection of the community’s energy. It stands as a joyful reminder that art can transform how we engage with the spaces around us.
A Collaborative Masterpiece at Holmleigh Primary School
One of the most heartfelt projects of the year was the mural created with 150 students and staff at Holmleigh Primary School funded by Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund. Together, we designed a piece that encapsulates the stories, values, and creativity of the school community.
Students played an active role in the process, sharing their ideas and seeing them come to life on the mural. In the end, we crafted a large, interactive mural that cleverly encoded the school’s values in a hidden message, decipherable only with the help of a key displayed on the side. The project became a powerful educational experience, teaching collaboration, the value of art, and how creativity can shape shared spaces. The mural now stands as a reflection of the school’s identity and a source of pride for all who contributed.
Celebrating our 2024 National Awards and Recognition
This year has been an incredible one for Co-Creative Connection, and we’re so proud to have been recognised for our work in transforming spaces and building connections through art! Here’s a look at some of the accolades we’ve received in 2024:
Shortlisted for Heart of Gold with Small Business Britain: Recognising our commitment to supporting and uplifting communities.
Winner of Best Public Spaces Development Community 2024 – London: Awarded by the Business Elite Awards for our collaborative, transformative projects.
Shortlisted for the 2025 Community Rail Awards: Highlighting our Finsbury Park Station mural for its celebration of diversity and creativity. We find out the results in March and we’re beyond excited!
These achievements reflect the passion of our team and the communities we work with - thank you for being part of our journey!
What 2024 Has Taught Us
This year has reinforced our belief in the transformative power of art. Through each project, we’ve learned that art isn’t just about creating something visually beautiful, it’s about fostering connections, amplifying voices, and creating spaces where people feel seen, included, and inspired.
We are endlessly grateful to the participants, partners, and communities who joined us on this journey. Your creativity and passion are what make these projects possible.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we reflect on the incredible moments of 2024, we can’t wait to see what’s next. With new projects and collaborations on the horizon, we’re excited to continue building spaces that bring people together and spark joy.
Here’s to another year of creating, connecting, and transforming, together! What was your favourite moment or project from this past year? Let’s celebrate the impact of art and community as we look ahead to 2025!
Are you interested in collaborating with us next year in 2025? Contact us today to start creating an impact together
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