An outdoor event at the weekend saw the community celebrate public art, writes Benjamin Kelsey

The event at the Pavilion on The Green in Edmonton (credit Benjamin Kelsey)

Edmonton Green came alive with creativity on Saturday (29th March) when Enfield Council hosted a celebration of public art.

The event, introduced by local councillors and organised in partnership with several local youth groups, featured an afternoon of art, music, activities and a tour previewing a soon-to-be-unveiled mural.

Council officer Andrea Bugli helped to prepare the event and has also planned more activities for later this spring and summer. Stood under the yellow pavilion canopy, Andrea said: “It’s for the community to take over this space as much as they can so people can use it.”

He said it was a celebration of public art, but some displays were not included on the art trail walk, so the officer encouraged residents and visitors to check them out in their own time.

“[It was] an opportunity to discuss the design of this mural with locals and finalise its design before it gets installed,” he added.

Local youth charities Doodle Design, Exodus Youth Worx and NYCC led activities including spray painting, jewellery-making workshops, art trail tours, games and more. The tours offered an exclusive preview of the upcoming mural, designed by Global Street Art and locals as part of the council’s Curate Enfield arts programme.

Chris McCoy, from NYCC, which helps educate young people in Edmonton about gangs and the dangers of carrying weapons, highlighted the importance of positive community events.

“It’s always good to shine a spotlight on positive stuff that happens in the community, instead of the negative things like stabbings,” said Chris.

“We aim for engagement with the community to get their thoughts and opinions on how things are designed in their local area, enabling them to be part of this unique artwork.”

He also explained that NYCC programmes are designed to serve as “hooks” to engage people in the area while reflecting on alarming rates of gang activity in London.

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