Bury College art students worked with the Next Chapter Hub in Bury to create vibrant murals, helping transform the space for local care leavers.
Our talented art students have helped transform the Next Chapter Hub in Bury with a series of vibrant new murals, creating a welcoming and homely environment for local care leavers accessing the service.
The project was completed in partnership with the Next Chapter Hub, part of Bury Council’s care services, after the organisation relocated to a new space last year. Having previously worked with Bury College students on murals at their former Kershaw Centre offices, staff once again invited our learners to bring creativity and colour to their new hub.
A live project for our students
Students were given a professional brief and tasked with creating mural concepts inspired by the hub’s work, branding, and the young people who use the space. The strongest designs were then selected to be painted collaboratively across the centre over three days, giving students valuable experience of working on a live creative project outside of the classroom.
Lilly, L3 Art, Design and Communication student, said:
“It was a nice opportunity to do something outside of class. It’s good to get some work experience within the arts, because these opportunities are hard to find.”
Students also reflected positively on the teamwork involved in creating the murals, with the collaborative approach allowing the artwork to be completed in under three days.
Creating a welcoming environment
One of the murals featured a tree design using handprints from children who use the hub, symbolising community and belonging.
“I added flowers to the tree mural to increase the details and make the handprints stand out more,” explained Emily, a L3 Art, Design and Communication student.
The project also helped students build confidence and develop new skills through working off-site and as part of a creative team on a large-scale piece of artwork.
A positive impact on the community
The completed murals have been warmly received by staff at the Next Chapter Hub, who praised both the creativity and professionalism of the students.
“The hub is based in Bury, it’s for Bury care leavers, and we’re one big family, and so it’s important that local young people created it for other children,” said Nicola from the Next Chapter Hub.
Nicola explained that the murals have helped create a more welcoming and less office-like environment for the young people accessing support and guidance at the centre.
She also praised the lasting impact of the project, saying:
“I think there’s ownership with this project. When they walk past the building in years to come, they’ll always have the memory of working on these murals together.”
Well done to all our students involved in this fantastic community project.
