Kirkby community art project
A
community’s hopes for their home town are being brought to life in
an art project in Knowsley.
Workshops have been held across Kirkby to create artwork showing
what local people would like from a revitalised town centre.
Residents were asked to think about how they feel about the town
centre, their aspirations and activities they would like to do.
The huge art panels will be used to brighten up the hoardings
around the site of the town’s former swimming pool which is being
demolished.
Everyone from pensioners to parent and toddler groups took part
in the sessions which were run by Knowsley Council and Collage
Marketing.
“It’s been boss,” said 11 year old Sophie Fairfield from
Towerhill Youth group.
“I’ve been an artist for the morning, making lots of drawings
and words which will be put up for everybody to see.
“I’ll be really proud seeing it and so will my mum and my
family”.
The final artwork will be installed onto the hoardings in late
September.
“We know local people feel passionately about Kirkby," said Cllr
Dave Lonergan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy
and Skills.
“We’ve been consulting with them about our ambitions to
regenerate the area and know they have a lot of ideas.
“The art work they’ve created means they can share their vision
with others and improve the look of the town centre. The
involvement of the local community in all regeneration programmes
is essential for the delivery of improvements to the neighbourhoods
they live, work and play in.” 
Nancie Price, from Collage, said: “Local people have had the
chance to work with trained artists to create something that makes
their ambitions for the town real.
“Getting the community to create something together is great fun
and people pick up skills that can lead on to other things.”
Photo caption 1: 11 year old Sophie Fairfield
from Towerhill Youth group with her artwork.
Photo caption 2: Nancie Price from Collage
Marketing with the Towerhill Youth Group taking part in the art
project.
Examples from project
