Street art showcases Byker’s community spirit

A street art installation celebrating community pride has been unveiled in the heart of Newcastle's Byker estate.

Eight murals, co-created by children who live on the estate, now adorn the ground floor window covers of Northern Stage youth project building on Brinkburn Street.

Bosses say the project, led by Karbon Homes and Elements: Street Art Festival, reflects the vibrancy of Byker and helps create “a sense of pride and belonging”.

Local artist Mark Shields, known as MarkOne87, collaborated with children from Byker Primary School and Foundation Futures youth services to design the artwork, ensuring it represents the community’s identity.

Mark said: “It’s brilliant to see the finished artwork up on display, and the young people so excited and proud of what they’ve achieved. 

“They were really engaged with the project from the start, and had so many ideas on what they wanted to say through the art. 

“I was amazed by their positive and community spirit, and I feel very privileged to have been able to help them tell their story of living on the estate.” 

Michelle Bell, assistant director of Byker Community for Karbon Homes, added: “We’re very proud to see this brilliant street art exhibition on display in the heart of Byker, perfectly portraying what a vibrant, community-focused and proud place Byker is.  

“It’s been fantastic forging links with our local creative industries to provide this opportunity for our young people to express what home and the estate means to them. 

“I hope it’ll make people walking by smile, and for those who live here I hope it gives them a sense of pride in living in Byker.” 

The initiative is part of Karbon Homes’ Fair Foundations strategy, which focuses on place-shaping to foster lasting change and improve perceptions.

Georgia Bates, alternative education team lead at Foundation Futures, added: “Our young people at Byker Futures have found the project really rewarding. 

“They’ve gained new skills and confidence through the process and have produced fantastic artwork that will bring lasting benefits to the local community.  

“It’s been fantastic for boosting their sense of pride in where they live and giving them an outlet to express what the estate means to them, which in turn has encouraged community togetherness and created a sense of belonging.”

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