We were contacted by VIY (Volunteer It Yourself), who invited us to collaborate on another mural project – this time a little further north in Mansfield. After our previous successful mural together, they were keen to create something with a similar approach for a site under renovation.
About VIY
VIY works with young people aged 14 – 24, helping them develop trade and construction skills by volunteering on real community projects. With the support of our professional mentor, participants gain experience, confidence, and often formal qualifications. Their projects not only support individuals – they also improve public spaces across the UK.
Built by miners and still functioning as a community hub, the hall has deep roots in local history. To honour that legacy, the mural we created celebrates the miners and the rich culture of the area.
Honouring Local History at Blidworth
The location for this mural was a community hall in Blidworth, just outside Mansfield. Miners originally built the hall, and it still serves as a local community centre today.
To reflect its heritage and connection to the area, we developed a design that honours the region’s mining history while bringing new life to the building.
The mural became more than just a work of art—it was a symbol of pride and remembrance for the people of Blidworth. The bold imagery captures the strength and resilience of the miners who built the hall, creating a connection between the past and the present.
A Mural with Purpose and Place
But this project wasn’t just about creating a mural; it was also about empowering young people. As part of the process, we got the VIY participants involved in the painting itself. Phil introduced them to the basics of spray painting, giving them a chance to learn new skills while contributing to the mural.
The result is a mural that speaks to both the past and present – celebrating local identity, engaging young people, and adding a bold visual statement to a much-loved community hub.
Explore More Projects
You can view a full portfolio of our public art projects here:https://freshcreativeltd.co.uk/portfolio showcasing murals, collaborations, and creative work across the UK.
Learn More About VIY
If you’d like to see more of the incredible work VIY does to support young people and local communities, visit their website: https://volunteerityourself.org/
