Hele’s School students, in collaboration with award-winning local artist Mrs Murals, have created a powerful mural to celebrate diversity, raise awareness about racism, and foster healing in the aftermath of the civil unrest that affected Plymouth and the UK last summer. This important project builds on powerful work completed last academic year, alongside Plymouth and Devon Commission for Racial Equality and Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, where a group of around a dozen Hele’s students from diverse ethnic groups worked on a project exploring themes around identity, belonging, and racism. The group came up with some recommendations around better promoting and celebrating equality, unity and visibility of all cultures across Hele’s school, including the creation of a large mural.
A successful bid for funding from the Community Recovery Fund Grant from Plymouth City Council in the autumn, allowed this recommendation to be brought to life, ensuring the mural will serve as a lasting symbol of unity, peace, and respect for both the school and the local community.
The mural design, crafted by Mrs Murals, Creative & Performing Arts Teacher Emily Hunt and a group of talented students, features the iconic Smeaton’s Tower, beaming out symbols of love and unity. Clasped hands against a backdrop of sky, sea, and buildings represent the City of Plymouth, while the theme of “one love” and “unity” is repeated in several languages, emphasizing the inclusion and respect for all.
“I’m honoured and delighted to be given the chance to create this artwork, which depicts themes of unity, peace, and respect—values I hold dear and strive to incorporate into my daily life,” said Mrs Murals, reflecting on the significance of the project. “The creativity and passion that Hele’s students have put into producing the design is extremely impressive.”
Hele’s School Principal Justine Mason said: “After the challenges our city faced this past summer, it’s more important than ever for our community to come together—guided by the voices of our young people, who embody hope, inclusion, and the drive for positive change. This mural project offers Hele’s School students a powerful way to engage with issues of racism and discrimination while creating a lasting symbol of unity and hope for everyone. The events of summer 2024 have only reinforced the urgent need for education, meaningful conversations, and the celebration of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. At Hele’s, we are committed to empowering our students to think critically, act with compassion, and help shape a future where everyone feels valued and respected. The energy and passion our young people are bringing to this project is truly inspiring. ‘Voices of Unity’ is more than just a mural—it’s a statement of resilience, respect, and shared commitment to a better future. I am incredibly proud of Team Hele’s for leading this important work and creating a lasting legacy for our community.”
The school plan to host an unveiling ceremony on 1st May, inviting young people, families, community members, and local media to celebrate the mural’s message of resilience and unity. It will be a special celebration event featuring performances, poems, and food from different cultures, bringing together the community to embrace the diversity that strengthens Plymouth.
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