New Murals Unveiled At Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

Fifteen colourful new murals created by more than 160 Isle of Wight children have been officially unveiled outside the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown.

The artwork was opened by the Isle of Wight High Sheriff, Nigel Hartley, marking the completion of a year-long community project led by Artswork in partnership with Community Murals IOW.

The project was inspired by pupils from The Bay CE Secondary School and Forest Edge School, who said they wanted to brighten up Sandown and make the town feel more positive and welcoming.

Working alongside children from the Sanctuary's Tiger Teens group and the Isle of Wight Youth Justice Service, Community Murals IOW helped design and paint 15 large-scale murals celebrating wildlife and the Sanctuary's rescued animals, including bears, tigers and lynx, alongside native species.

Around 25 young people took part in painting the murals, which now form a striking new entrance to the Yaverland attraction.

Peta Rainford, Placemaking Creative Producer at Artswork, said the project was driven by young people from the outset and praised the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary for putting its trust in the children's vision.

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Chief Executive Lawrence Bates said the murals have transformed the entrance to the site, creating a vibrant and welcoming frontage that reflects both the Sanctuary's animals and the local community.

Artists Hollie Jackson and Emma Goss from Community Murals IOW described the project as their favourite to date, saying they hope the artwork brings a smile to visitors' faces, encourages more people to visit the Sanctuary and gives everyone involved a lasting sense of pride.

The project forms part of Artswork's Young Cultural Changemakers programme and was funded by Arts Council England, with additional support from Sandown Town Council.