Peter Blackman shares his South Woodham Ferrers Mural Story

This Concrete Canvas mural project was set up comprehensively. Engagement in the selection process was the excellent start to the development of a very strong community involvement in the project. The workshops were inspirational with mounds of contributions. 

There was great excitement about the painting days with the involvement slots booked, filled and attended with enormous excitement and commitment.

An amazing landmark which will be enjoyed daily by hundreds of passers-by of all generations, in rain, hail and shine. There’s already huge interest in part two of this project, the other side of the underpass. The lasting impact is the establishment of the link of the whole community with the renewal of cultural creativity in the Town.

Written by Cultural Connector, Peter Blackman of South Woodham Ferrers Creatives and Community Hub, who co-selected Uwu Studio, from over 200 applicants, to collaborate with, alongside local schools, to co-design and co-create a mural at Scholars Walk Underpass in South Woodham Ferrers.

This mural is one of four, co-created with communities across the district of Chelmsford in 2026, as part of Concrete Canvas: Reimagined.

Concrete Canvas: Reimagined is part of the Young Cultural Changemakers Programme, produced by Culture Chelmsford and SPARK!, in collaboration with Chelmsford For You & Concrete Canvas, funded by Arts Council England, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford City Council, Chelmsford College, Chelmsford For You, Great Baddow Parish Council, Mister Gees Foundation and sponsored by Alfreshco, Community RePaint, Thirst Drinks Syndicate and Wickes.