New murals help to brighten up Yorkshire Street

Students from Brian Clarke Church of England Academy have had the opportunity to put their mark on Yorkshire Street through the Oldham Mural Project, organised by James Cox, Head of Art.  

The Oldham Mural Project is a transformative initiative bringing vibrant art to the heart of Oldham town centre.

A series of small murals were planted along Yorkshire Street, adding vibrancy and energy to the area’s regeneration.

The project was made possible by High Street Accelerator Funding, which is a government pilot to help high streets and through the help of GRIT Studios who have found an artist who works with community groups to create street art. 

Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture, said: “It’s fantastic to see our high street brightened up with these excellent murals.

"A huge thanks to the students from Brian Clarke Academy for using their artistic skills to contribute to our efforts to revitalise our town centre.

"They’re a proud example of the excellent young people we have in our town who I know are going to go on and do great things.” 

To further develop their skills, a smaller group of students had the opportunity to work closely with professional artist Oskar.

They spent a day fully immersed in the creative process, transforming their designs into striking murals.

This hands-on experience allowed them to learn the skills needed to be a muralist, tackling the challenges of larger-scale public art, and gain insight into the journey of a professional artist.

Working side-by-side with Oskar offered a valuable perspective on how art can be both a powerful form of expression and a rewarding career path. 

James, who has been instrumental in getting the project up and running, said: “The murals give students a real sense of pride - a visible, lasting contribution to their community that showcases their talent and hard work.

"The project also strengthens their connection to Oldham, helping them take pride in their hometown.

"This sense of ownership encourages students to see Oldham as more than just a place they live; it’s a community they’ve helped shape and celebrate.  

"In addition to transforming Oldham’s public spaces, the project highlights the importance of nurturing young talent, fostering a sense of belonging, and celebrating the diversity that makes our community so vibrant.

"It’s a powerful reminder of art’s role in inspiring both personal growth and collective pride.” 

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