Visitors arriving at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary are now being welcomed by a vibrant new collection of murals, created with the imagination, creativity and passion of more than 160 young people from across the Isle of Wight.
The fifteen colourful murals, which line the Sanctuary’s entrance on Yaverland Road, were officially unveiled by the Isle of Wight High Sheriff, Nigel Hartley, celebrating the completion of a year-long community project that brought together young people, artists and local organisations to transform one of Sandown’s most recognisable landmarks.
The project was inspired by local young people themselves. During consultations with students from The Bay CE Secondary School and Forest Edge School, they described Sandown as a town with enormous potential but one that they felt lacked colour and vibrancy. They wanted to create something positive that would brighten the area, celebrate wildlife and give local people a renewed sense of pride in their community.
Working alongside Community Murals IOW, young people from the two schools and the Sanctuary’s own Tiger Teens group took part in around 20 planning and design workshops. Together they created fifteen unique murals featuring some of Wildheart’s rescued animals, including bears, tigers and lynx, alongside native wildlife, encouraging respect for animals and the natural world.
Peta Rainford, Placemaking Creative Producer at Artswork, said:
“We were so excited when we were given the opportunity to fulfil the young people’s brief by redesigning the 15 murals at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary – they are such a prominent and iconic part of Sandown.
“We appreciate that it took a leap of faith on the part of the Sanctuary to hand them over to a project initiated by and involving children at every stage, but I think the results speak for themselves.”
Around 25 young people then picked up the paintbrushes to bring the designs to life, joined by participants from the Isle of Wight Youth Justice Service. Their creativity, teamwork and enthusiasm have created a colourful new gateway to the Sanctuary that will welcome thousands of visitors each year while celebrating the Island’s wildlife, creativity and community spirit.
Lawrence Bates, CEO of the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted with the finished murals. They have completely transformed the entrance to the Sanctuary and brought new life and colour to this part of Sandown.
“Every visitor who arrives now is greeted by artwork that celebrates rescued wildlife while showcasing the incredible creativity of local young people. The children, Community Murals IOW and everyone involved should be immensely proud of what they’ve achieved. These murals perfectly reflect the vibrancy of our animals, our mission and our community.”
Creativity that makes a difference
The project was led by Artswork, a youth arts charity that has been empowering children and young people through creativity for more than 35 years.
The project is part of Artswork’s Young Cultural Changemakers programme and was funded by Arts Council England, with additional support from Sandown Town Council. Through the programme, young people are empowered to shape and deliver creative projects that make a real difference in the places where they live.
More than just murals
For Wildheart, the project represents far more than a fresh new look.
As a charity dedicated to giving rescued animals a second chance, inspiring people to protect wildlife and connecting communities with nature, involving young people in shaping the Sanctuary’s future was a natural fit. The murals now provide a bright and welcoming entrance that reflects everything Wildheart stands for – compassion, conservation, creativity and community.
Every visitor arriving at the Sanctuary is now greeted by artwork created by local young people, celebrating both the rescued animals that call Wildheart home and the community that supports them. It’s a lasting reminder of what can be achieved when young people are empowered to make a positive difference.
Thank you
This inspiring project would not have been possible without the passion, creativity and collaboration of everyone involved.
A huge thank you goes to Artswork, Community Murals IOW, The Bay CE Secondary School, Forest Edge School, the Wildheart Tiger Teens, the Isle of Wight Youth Justice Service, Sandown Town Council and, most importantly, every young person who shared their ideas, creativity and enthusiasm throughout the project.
Together, they have transformed the entrance to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary into a colourful celebration of wildlife, creativity and community that visitors will enjoy for many years to come.
