Two vibrant new murals have transformed the Tolladine Road Youth Justice Centre in Worcester, thanks to a co-creation project led by artist Dermot Clarke, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, West Mercia Youth Justice Service and Severn Arts.
The initiative brought together over 50 young people, many of whom have had contact with the justice system, to reimagine the space through art and leave a lasting mark on the building and on themselves.
The project involved a series of creative workshops where participants explored ideas, experimented with materials and collaborated on the final designs.
The outdoor mural, visible to all who enter, begins with a motif of hope and evolves into a dynamic Rubik’s Cube inspired design that Dermot describes as “exploding with positivity.”
By involving young people directly in the design and painting process, the project gave them ownership over their environment and a platform to express themselves.
One participant shared: “It has been great to get involved in something that I can add my ideas to and see the end result. I didn’t think I’d be any good at art, but I have surprised myself.”
The murals now stand as a testament to what’s possible when art meets purpose, and when young people are given the tools to shape the spaces around them.
This inspiring project was showcased in our Community Stories 2025 Event, celebrating the incredible work of grant-funded organisations across Worcestershire.
To find out more about our Public Health Community Grants please visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/communitygrants
