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Padnall Hall Art Mural Project: A Community Vision Comes to Life

At Youth Unity, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people and their communities to express themselves through creativity. The Padnall Hall Art Mural Project is an inspiring example of how art can bring people together, share local stories, and enhance community spaces.

This project, centered around the hoarding of the new Padnall Hall Youth Centre, is being shaped entirely by community voices and will reflect the rich culture, history, and aspirations of the local area.

Why This Matters

The Padnall Hall Art Mural Project is more than just an artwork; it’s a celebration of the local community’s identity and values. It serves as a symbol of unity, bringing people together to create something lasting and meaningful.

As the new youth centre takes shape, this mural will build excitement for what’s to come: a space where young people can connect, grow, and thrive.

Our Process: Listening to the Community

To ensure the mural truly represents the community, the project was designed in three key phases:

Outreach & Street Interviews

Our outreach teams connected directly with local residents, gathering their thoughts and ideas through voice and video interviews.

A short documentary will highlight these community insights, showcasing the vision behind the project.

Workshops – “Your Community Voice”

Workshops were held in schools and local settings to gather feedback on themes, imagery, and ideas for the mural.

Surveys were distributed to encourage participation from all age groups, ensuring the mural reflects an intergenerational perspective.

Art Installation

Using the community’s input, the mural will be brought to life, transforming the site into a vibrant and inspiring focal point.

This project will also build bonds within the community and promote excitement for the new Padnall Hall Youth Centre.

What the Community Had to Say

Through 71 surveys and direct engagement, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what we discovered:

Why a Mural Matters:

83% of respondents said a mural is highly important for the local area.

88% believe it should represent the local community’s residents.

Themes People Want to See:

54%: The diverse cultural landscape of the area.

50%: Community life.

49%: Local culture and history.

Style and Feel:

65% wanted the artwork to be bright and vibrant, showcasing the dynamic energy of the youth centre and its young people.

83% advocated for incorporating positive and inspirational messages.

Community Ideas & Messages

During outreach, we gathered some truly meaningful suggestions for what the mural should include:

Symbols of unity, diversity, and communication to attract and inspire people.

Imagery of local history and buildings that reflect the area’s heritage.

Messages of kindness and hope, such as:

“You are important.”

“Believe in yourself – you can achieve great things.”

“Persevere – success is about rising every time you fall.”

These contributions reflect the community’s pride, resilience, and desire for a space that uplifts and inspires everyone.

Click here to find out more about the artist Cize_One

Multi cultural society and multiculturalism as a celebration of diverse cultures and diversity or African black pride as a multicultural social unity with people of different races united in a 3D illustration style.

Dartford Community Growth Through Mentorship, Training, and Sports

At the Unity Hub, we are excited to announce a series of engaging activities and programs designed to support and empower our community from September 2024 to July 2025. These initiatives are crafted to foster personal growth, build capacity, and promote positive engagement across different groups within our community. Here’s a breakdown of what we have planned:

Activity 1: Targeted Mentoring and Positive Attitudes

We will run weekly sessions focused on mentoring and fostering positive attitudes among young people aged 11 to 18. These sessions will take place during term time at Acacia Hall (Unity Hub). This program is designed to provide consistent support, guidance, and motivation to help young people thrive.

Activity 2: Training and Capacity Building

To strengthen the capabilities of local voluntary and community organisations, we will conduct a series of training session. These sessions will be available both online and face-to-face, catering to the needs of staff and volunteers from these organisations. This training will equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their contributions to the community.

Activity 3: Community Podcast – THRIVE Support Network

We will produce a series of podcasts, providing a platform for sharing thoughts and experiences on a wide range of topics. These podcasts will be recorded at various venues and will cater to men of all ages, including those from organisations, charities, and community groups. The goal is to create a support network through open dialogue, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

Activity 4: Futsal Sport Event

We are planning a 5-day Football Event during the school summer holidays in July/August 2025 at Buccaneer Bay, Dartford Central Park. Alongside the event, we will host a competition to capture and showcase the highlights in a video, promoting the spirit of teamwork and community.

 

Each of these activities is being designed to meet the unique needs of our community and to promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. We look forward to welcoming participants and making a positive impact together.

Each of these activities is designed to meet the unique needs of our community and promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. We look forward to welcoming participants and making a positive impact together.