In a collaborative effort between Swansea University and local organisations, a transformative mural project has taken shape in the heart of Swansea. Led by Flip the Streets in partnership with Evolve Swansea, a group of young men from Dylan James School embarked on a mission to confront misogyny and promote positivity through art.
This mural was created as part of the Flip the Streets Initiative which supports community groups to visually stand out against hate of all kinds on our streets. More information about this initiative and how you can get involved can be found here.
The initiative aimed to empower the young participants, drawing upon Evolve's expertise in exploring positive and negative role models in society. Through workshops and brainstorming sessions, the students developed concepts that would eventually manifest in a striking mural aimed at combating hate directed towards women.
Central to the artwork's design was a bold "STOP" sign, strategically placed to catch the attention of passersby and serve as a focal point for the message against misogyny. Additionally, the mural prominently featured words such as "Gentleman," "Trusting," and "Loving," chosen by the students to emphasise the importance of positive role modelling within their community.
With guidance from Fresh Creative, the young men not only conceptualised the designs but also actively participated in bringing them to life with vibrant colours. The project served as a platform for community collaboration, uniting various members to take a stand against hatred towards women and foster a safer environment in Swansea.
Sandy, an artist from Fresh Creative, played a pivotal role in facilitating the project, providing materials and guidance while nurturing the participants' creative expression. The dedication of all involved, including Sandy's patience and kindness, was instrumental in ensuring the success of the initiative.
Ashton and Nicolas, two participants from Dylan James School, shared their passionate perspectives on the project, highlighting its innovative approach and the importance of attention-grabbing visuals like the prominent "STOP" sign. Their insights underscored the significance of initiatives that empower youth to address pressing social issues creatively.
The project not only exemplifies a positive outlook for combating hate crimes within the community but also offers valuable insights for students enrolled in Swansea University's MA Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology and MA Cyber Crime and Terrorism programmes. It underscores the importance of initiatives that provide constructive outlets for creative expression while conveying important messages.
Looking ahead, the success of this collaboration inspires hope for future projects under the "Flip the Streets" initiative, encouraging broader participation and fostering a welcoming and warm feeling throughout Swansea.c
To find out more about similar projects, please visit: www.swansea.ac.uk/criminology-sociology-social-policy/flip-the-streets-project-research/