Using art to bridge the generation gap in Cottingley

Cottingley TowersCottingley estate is about to shine, thanks to a new urban art mural which will be unveiled for this first time as part of Cottingley Summer Fair on Saturday (15 August 2015).

This project has brought together young residents aged 12-19 years old and learners from community charity, Groundwork Leeds, encouraging them to design a piece of art that signifies what their community means to them.

The art installation is a result of months of outreach work with the young people and long-term residents of Cottingley and will feature on the side of two shops in the Cottingley district centre. The masterpiece is an artistic representation of the neighbourhood, from the number 55 bus to the iconic Cottingley Towers. A Leeds United Football Club badge also takes pride of place on the design.

Nicola Ramsden, community co-ordinator at Groundwork Leeds said:

“This breath-taking design will take pride of place in Cottingley and highlights the talents of many local residents.

“We have worked closely with Leeds City Council to ensure that everyone is happy for the artwork to become a permanent fixture on the estate, something all residents can take pride in.”

The artwork will be unveiled at a community fun day this Saturday (15 August 2015). The Cottingley Urban Art Project is part of the wider Urban Oasis Project that is funded by Mears, the UKs leading provider of social housing repairs and maintenance and home care services, and is delivered by Groundwork Leeds.

Cottingley Summer Fair 15Carol Taylor, customer services manager at Mears added: “Our Urban Oasis Project is a two-year project that aims to inspire people to improve pockets of green space on their doorstep through practical activities.

“People of all ages live in Cottingley and this latest project has helped bridge the intergenerational gap between residents. Everyone wants to be proud of the community that they live in and projects like this help people develop the spaces around them and bring people together.”

Activities will also take place at Cottingley Community Centre where there will be stalls, a baking competition, cafe, prize bingo and tombolas.