A Bangor disability centre has been brought to life thanks to a group of street artists.
The Ravara Training and Resource Centre has been transformed by local street artist Chris McGuiggan, known as CoDoArt who, along with a group of other artists from across Ireland, volunteered their time to bring a bit more colour to the centre.
The project was organised by adult support worker Kirsty Dickson who wanted to inject a bit of fun into the centre for the staff and service users to enjoy, with many saying they were thrilled to see the revamp.
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The artwork features everything from cartoon characters to underwater settings and softer colours were also used, mindful of the sensory issues which some service users experience.
After being asked to take part in the project, Chris said that between 15-20 other artists asked to get involved with some travelling from as far as Dublin to lend their support. Members of staff and their children also pitched in to completely redecorate the Centre.
Chris had previously visited Ravara in February 2022, after Kirsty entered a competition to win a piece of his artwork, which she then kindly donated to the service users of Ravara TRC.
He said: “I loved getting to meet all of the service users and the staff, however since then I just felt that I wanted to do something for the Centre and that’s where the idea for the art project came about.
“Initially I put a post on my Instagram page, explaining that I wanted to do something for the service users and staff, to see if other artists from the local community wanted to get involved.
"The response was just amazing! 15-20 Street and Mural Artists from across Northern Ireland and beyond got in touch asking if they could help in some way. A number of businesses from the local area and Belfast, were also keen to donate supplies which I really appreciate. It just wouldn’t have been possible without this fantastic support.”
Chris continued, “This is only the first phase of the project, by the end of the summer we are hoping to have outside of the centre completely finished. I want to express my thanks to everyone who has taken the time to help with this project, from the staff and their children at Ravara as well the service users and their parents helping us out. It’s been great to have everyone come together from the local community. I am looking forward to seeing the final result once the second phase has been completed.”
Kirsty said that the artwork has been a huge positive for the centre and that service users and their parents have been overjoyed with it.
One parent exclaimed, “I just love all of the pieces, such creativity, what a difference this has made to both the inside and outside of the centre, it is just amazing!”
She said: “Ravara TRC is now a totally different world! It’s so much brighter than before, there’s just so much to look at. The service users are really enjoying walking about and having a look at every individual piece as there are so many unique pieces, it’s just all so different. It’s definitely brought the Centre to life.
“This outstanding artwork has brought so many benefits to the service users. The biggest benefit is sensory as it’s so stimulating for them to look at the artwork with all of the vibrant colours. In particular our sensory room has been completely transformed with an underwater theme.
“It’s been such a positive event and this has actually allowed Chris to develop such a brilliant relationship with the staff and service users. The service users absolutely love Chris and actually see him as part of the team now!
"We can’t wait to have it all finished and it’s so exciting to think about what it will all look like. We really appreciate all of the effort from everyone, including Chris and the other artists giving up their time completely free of charge for this project. It has brought so much joy to the staff and service users here at the centre.”
The service users were astounded at the incredible difference the new artwork has made to the Centren and literally gasped when they saw it. Some said, “It’s made the Centre so bright, I really like it!” and “I like the blobs outside the building, my favourite is the kingfisher!
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