New artwork brings pride to Westlands First School

The artwork was commissioned by Severn Arts and funded by Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health department.

It was inspired by the pupils thoughts on what Westlands means to them.  Visual artist Sarah Edwards enlisted the support of every child in the school to contribute to producing the mural, gathering their ideas and inviting them to help paint the final version.

The children talked about nature, wildlife and playing outside with friends.

Councillor David Ross, cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council said, “I was honoured to be at the unveiling of this inspiring artwork created by the students at Westlands First School. The pride in not only their creation, but the area they live in was wonderful to see. Increasing positivity within the local community will make a huge difference towards improving health outcomes for people in the Westlands area and I am glad to see the pupils at the school leading the way.”

Molly White, a pupil at Westlands First School said, “I enjoyed doing the no littering picture because I got to use pink paint, and it was a lot to do! It makes me feel happy that the school is having something for us. I think it was really nice to have an artist come in to visit, so that we could all enjoy the painting.”

Attending the unveiling with Councillor David Ross, was Councillor Richard Morris the councillor for Droitwich West, alongside artist Sarah Edwards, Jen Loffman Community Producer from Severn Arts, Caroline Kingston, Advanced Public Health Practitioner at Worcestershire County Council, and Pip Cavilla, from the Droitwich Wellbeing Hub. Alongside pupils Molly White, Mikey Smith and Hannah Turner and Head Teacher Rachel Roberts and Assistant Headteacher Seren Freestone.

Sarah is director of Spare Room Arts, a visual arts company that delivers a range of inclusive arts activities in schools, youth centres, day centres and special schools, as well as festivals across the UK.