Collaboration with two communities in an interface area of Londonderry took place, in order to develop an art piece that reflected community conversations and explored thoughts and memories of their past, alongside aspirations for the future. The artwork is displayed in a shared community hub.

A series of multi-generational workshops were carried out with the Waterside Project Team, Managers of the two Community Centres and with members of the two community groups.

Together an exploration too place into what makes the community unique, people’s memories of growing up in Derry, how the neighbourhood has changed through the years, pre and post troubles and people’s hopes and aspirations for the community in the future.

Alongside the conversations, participants shared imagery of special Derry landmarks and local scenes alongside old photographs of the community.

These workshops fed into the final design which celebrates people and place and elevates Derry’s strong and vibrant community that lie at its heart.

The final design is circular in form and comprised of a series of rainbow arcs arranged as concentric circles. These are used as a structure on which various characters from both communities are placed alongside Derry landmarks, texture and pattern from the locality and street names from the two neighbourhoods.

At the centre of the circle sits an oak tree, representing Derry’s old Irish name of Doire, meaning oak grove and around it sits a monochrome patterned circle made of images of both community centre buildings, as these were described by residents as the hearts of the neighbourhood.

The artwork is constructed of two partner pieces, one for each community, that features part of the design and when brought together, create the whole, united picture.