Funding unites art and history on Byker estate

An arts scheme celebrating the history and future of Newcastle’s iconic Byker Wall has secured funding from Historic England’s ‘History in the Making’ programme.

A partnership between Karbon Homes and ELEMENTS Street Art Festival, the project has been awarded £14,560 to creatively explore the social history of the Byker estate through public art.

Delivered in collaboration with specialist youth service Foundation Futures and community partners the Farrell Centre at Newcastle University and Northern Cultural Projects CIC, the initiative focuses on engaging young residents, providing a platform to celebrate their community’s heritage and vision.

Michelle Bell, assistant director of the Byker Community, said: “We are delighted to have been selected, alongside our partners, to be part of the History in the Making programme from Historic England.  

“The Byker Estate has a unique history that we take great pride in, and with this funding we will be able to bring this to life, whilst also educating and engaging young people on the estate about the history of their neighbourhood, a key part of our Thriving Byker Strategy.”  

The project kicks off with a two-day history workshop led by the Farrell Centre and Northern Cultural Projects CIC, offering participants insights into the estate’s unique design and evolution.

Under the guidance of mural artist MarkOne87, the group will transform their ideas into public art, creating two shutter designs for key community buildings and a large mural in the heart of the estate.

This project is part of a broader initiative supporting 21 youth-led place-marking schemes across England that have received funding through ‘History in the Making’, aiming to empower young people aged 13 to 25 to uncover and celebrate local histories.

It also builds on the existing partnership between Karbon Homes and ELEMENTS, which has brought several murals and street art projects to life within the Byker community.

Ellie Djerir, head of participation programmes at Historic England, added: “These new History in the Making projects will reveal fascinating new perspectives and explore forgotten local histories.

“I’m thrilled to see 21 very different projects across England, all with an emphasis on creativity and local identity.  

“These projects help young people to come together, building their sense of pride in their local place and enabling them to gain new skills and confidence.

“Heritage means something different to every community and I can’t wait to see the creative final place markers produced by these young people.” 

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