STUDENTS have been immersing themselves in culture as they begin an emotive project for the mayor.
Seeking inspiration for their work, Darlington College art and design students visited the town’s Arthur Wharton Foundation centre, which celebrates the world’s first black professional sportsman.
Mayor Jan Cossins has commissioned the students to produce a range of arts materials to promote her annual charity ball in April which is themed on the Windrush generation.
Their artwork will be used on poster designs and on social media posts, as well as being showcased and auctioned at the glittering event, which will take place on April 12 at the Dolphin Centre, and appear on a blank wall at the Arthur Wharton Foundation centre.
Foundation founder Shaun Campbell told the level 1-3 first year students about the phenomenal achievements of Arthur, who came to Darlington in 1883 from Ghana to become the epicentre of the black presence in professional sport.
A pioneer and trailblazer, he became the world’s first black professional footballer and also enjoyed considerable success playing rugby, cricket, sprinting and cycling.
But Shaun told the students that while Arthur was a ‘novelty’ in this country, the Windrush generation, who arrived in the UK from the Caribbean in 1948 to help rebuild the country after the Second World War, were considered a threat and faced a wave of racism and bigotry.
Shaun told students: “I hope this visit and the project inspires you to look deeper into the subject which is massive. It is the first time the mayor of Darlington has flown the flag for the Windrush generation, which is so powerful.”
For student Borys Meyer the project has special meaning. “My parents came to the UK from Poland looking for work and a better life and, while I was born in Darlington, I have heard their stories of racism. That makes this work very emotional for me and it is really good to contribute to a project that will have an impact on racism.”
Fellow student Nathan Webster, 14, of Staindrop, who has a passion for street art, has been offered the chance to paint a blank wall at the centre with Windrush images. “This is really good for me,” he said. “I admire the foundation and the work it has done and this visit has been really eye-opening. I’m looking forward to doing more research and starting on a mural that will be seen by so many people. It’s a real privilege for someone of my age.”
Darlington College lecturer Amy Minto added: “I am so excited about this project and coming here today has immersed us all in so many visual references which have really energised the students, which is brilliant.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
