Eden District Council’s Deputy Leader and Communities Portfolio Holder, Mary Robinson officially unveiled a piece of artwork created by young people from Penrith this week.
Inspired by the Olympics and the Olympic Torch Relay passing through the town on 20 June, the large mural, located in the swimming pool area at Penrith Leisure Centre, is the first project to be completed as a result of feedback from young people in the area.
The group came together as a result of the youth work Inspira, formerly known as Connexions Cumbria, delivers on behalf of Cumbria County Council.
Ros Willatt, Professional Advisor at Inspira; said: “Part of our work with young people in Eden is to find out what other activities and projects they would like to be involved in.’
In partnership with North Country Leisure and Eden District Council, Ros Willatt and Lynne Hullock from Inspira along with artist Karen McDougall facilitated the development of the artwork.
Initially the mural was painted onto canvas with acrylic inks, photographed then printed and installed by AST signs. It took six weeks from developing the idea to completing the painting.
In conjunction with the group working on the mural, a youth club has also been setup on Friday evenings at the Salvation Army Hall in Hunter Lane. Activities include WII games nights; pool, arts, crafts, and cookery evenings as well as being a place for young people to meet, socialise and develop their own ideas for the youth club.
Eden District Council’s Deputy Leader and Community Portfolio Holder, Mary Robinson, said: “Engaging young people in art and sports has major benefits for our community and highlights the positive contribution their ideas can make. The mural has given a real splash of vibrancy to the swimming pool area at the Leisure Centre and I am sure will inspire many people to come out and support the local Olympic Torchbearers when the Torch Relay reaches Eden on 20 June.”
For more information about Olympic Torch Relay Activities on 20 June in Eden District visit www.eden.gov.uk/olympictorchrelay
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Notes to Editors
For more information contact the Communication Officer at Eden District Council tel: 01768 212137.
