Arsenal Football Club and Thameslink have come together to create a vibrant mural for Finsbury Park station.
This project, engaging students from City of London Academy and led by artist Rose Hill, is set to bring a new artistic flair to the station, reflecting the community’s spirit and creativity.
Arsenal Football Club has teamed up with Thameslink to create a unique mural for Finsbury Park station, set to be installed in the New Year.
The project, involving students from the nearby City of London Academy, was conducted in art workshops at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium community hub, in collaboration with Co-Creative Connection, a community art organisation.
Led by professional artist Rose Hill, the project received a grant from Thameslink Rail and is scheduled for installation at the station in 2024. Rose Hill expressed her enthusiasm for the project, saying, “Our first workshop at the Arsenal hub showed incredible creativity. The enthusiasm and discussions sparking excitement about where their creativity will lead with the final mural.”
During the workshops, students aged 14 to 15 were guided by Rose to create “creative mood boards” to convey their ideas and feelings about the mural. The aim was to develop pattern designs and collaboratively design the mural, reflecting the community’s spirit and aspirations.
Freddie Hudson, Arsenal’s head of community, commended the academy school students for their participation and enthusiasm. He remarked, “It has been fantastic to see the passion that young people have in the community. The mural project is a way we can bring that passion to life and show their creativity beyond the football pitch.”
The collaboration was initiated by Thameslink’s Tracy Jarvis. Jarvis explained the mural’s objective: “We’re working together to provide Finsbury Park with a public artwork to enrich the community that the station serves, with Rose’s creative leadership and the young artists’ commitment.”
The Co-Creative arts organisation, which is instrumental in executing the mural project, focuses on transforming public spaces into art. This initiative, part-funded by Thameslink, aims to give the station “a sense of pride and connection” within the community. The involvement of a professional artist like Rose Hill in the workshops highlights the project’s commitment to quality and community engagement.
In summary, this collaboration between Arsenal, Thameslink, and the local community reflects a collective effort to enrich the Finsbury Park area, not only enhancing its aesthetic appeal but also fostering a sense of pride and connection among its residents.