Artwork with a powerful message adorns hoardings surrounding an affordable development in Becontree thanks to local young people.
The message – “Bricks make houses – People make homes” – is emblazoned across a stretch of hoardings at the new Woodward Road development, which will deliver 56 quality, new homes.
The artwork was designed and made by young people from Barking and Dagenham’s Youth Forum with help from local artists Ben Martin and Griffi, alongside Studio 3 Arts.
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, who met the young people and artists this week at the site, said: “This is such a powerful and poignant message as we celebrate 100 years of the Becontree estate this year, a development which set the standard of homes for working people. And 100 years on we’re still delivering great homes for ordinary people in Barking and Dagenham.”
Zubin Burley, Deputy Chair of the BAD Youth forum, said: “As Deputy Chair of the BAD Youth Forum, I am proud to see our messages of both diversity and unity brought to light to be seen by all. I hope that this acts as an emblem to convey to the community that young people care and show interest for the future of our area. Through hours of planning, painting and of course rain, we collectively enjoyed the process and cannot wait to see these houses become homes.”
Rosie Ross, Senior Creative Producer at Studio 3 Art, said: “Studio 3 Arts have a long- standing relationship making outstanding art with the people of Barking and Dagenham. We are delighted to support the young people from the BAD Forum, their artwork makes a bold and confident statement that brightens up the local area.”
The artwork is part of a wider project involving Be First, Studio 3 Arts, schools, groups and artists who are working on a series of artworks that will be displayed on hoardings of development sites across the borough. The designs will celebrate the history, heritage and the future of the area.
Sadia Ur-Rehman, Community Engagement Coordinator at Be First, said: “At Be First, we firmly believe real regeneration is not just about houses but building great places too, and we know art is also at the heart of vibrant communities.”
To find out more about these artworks and the wider project of artworks across the borough, visit:
Art on Hoardings | Your Call Be First London
