On 1st February 2025, Independent Arts’ Youth Group, Arts Lab, proudly unveiled their latest project, the Save Our Future mural, now on display at Skates on Newport Quay.
This striking artwork is a testament to the creativity, commitment, and environmental consciousness of the young artists.
A bold and thoughtful design
The mural’s design is both graphic and evocative, using a deliberately limited colour palette to capture the many shades of the sea while enhancing its visual impact. The mural juxtaposes the ideal of a pristine, healthy ocean with a depiction of a polluted environment, highlighting the devastating effects of plastic pollution on marine life.
A key feature is the innovative wire fish sculptures—powerful symbols of the waste that plagues our oceans. Crafted during dedicated wirework sessions, these sculptures contrast sharply with the vibrant, healthy ocean scene, reinforcing the urgent need to protect our environment.
Inspiration and creative process
Named by the young artists themselves, Save Our Future represents their passion for environmental change. The project began with brainstorming sessions and mind maps, where the group chose to champion the cause of cleaner oceans.
After exploring murals across Newport and voting on their mural’s form, they decided on a painting/sculpture hybrid. Their sketches were digitised, projected onto plywood for scaling, and developed into a cohesive colour scheme.
The group also experimented with sculptures made from donated beach waste, inspired by the giant wire fish waste bin on Brighton Beach.
Voices from the community
Evie Clarke, who runs the Arts Lab project, shared her enthusiasm:
“We’ve had such a fantastic time making our mural, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received throughout. I’ve seen such a positive change in our brilliant young people during this project. It’s been wonderful to hear what they care about and to see them take responsibility for making a difference for all of our futures.
“They have shown great teamwork, creativity, and dedication! I am so proud to have been part of this project and to see the mural come to life. I’d also like to thank our amazing volunteer, Bella Cuoghi-Smith, who has been a fantastic support, a friendly face, and a listening ear to our group.”
Richard Quigley, Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, also praised the initiative, stating:
“Well done to Independent Arts’ youth group Arts Lab on their fantastic new mural… Projects like this make such a difference and bring communities together.”
About Arts Lab and future projects
Arts Lab is a creative experimentation group for young people aged 11–16, exploring youth-led social action through art. In addition to their annual exhibition and community projects—including contributions to local events like the carnival—Arts Lab is now working towards their next exhibition in May 2025. Continuing the Save Our Future theme, this exhibition will address issues such as homelessness, wildlife preservation, endangered species, and challenges posed by social media and cyberbullying.
Sessions run every Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at Independent Arts’ Creative Hub, including during school holidays. Young people interested in joining can contact [email protected].
Independent Arts received £9,943 from the SNG #iwill Fund to upskill young people to become Wellbeing Champions by facilitating the space for them to improve their own mental health and wellbeing, as well as others, through collaboratively making artwork that creates natural conversations and discussions around mental health, wellbeing and youth social action.
The young people led on 5 creative youth social action projects that aimed to make changes in their local community, including creating this ‘Save Our Future’ mural.
A heartfelt Thank You
This project would not have been possible without the collective effort of so many:
- Young Artists: Billie, Jaime, Oliver, Evie D, Devon, Lula, Ellie, Elizabeth, Iona, Rebecca, Rosie P
- Funding: Sovereign Network Group #iwill Fund – for their generous support in funding the project, kickstarting our youth social action movement, and providing a photographer to document the journey. The funding partners The National Lottery Community Fund, DCMS and the #iwill Movement.
- Material Donations: Jewsons (Plywood) | Utilita (Beach waste materials)
- Support & Infrastructure: MG Scaffolding (Scaffolding) | Nick Joyce, GRWN Group (plywood delivery)
- Project Team: Jo Rigby, Kerry Weston, Ralph Ridler, Matt Hitt, Evie Clarke
- Volunteer: Bella Cuoghi-Smith
- A special thank you to Mark and the team at Skates for not only hosting the mural but also helping to install it and for providing the perfect venue for the launch event. Skates is a fantastic roller rink on Newport Quay, available for bookings and events—providing a great space for the local community.
News shared by Sarah on behalf of Independent Arts. Ed
