In 2007, with funding from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, we launched a pilot programme of art activities in the Rose Hill area of Oxford. The programme included: the Alternative Bus Tour in October 2007, with artist Katy Beinart leading an alternative guided tour of Oxford on an open-top sightseeing bus on a journey from Rose Hill to the city centre; and the Street Lights project in December 2007. Artists Katy Beinart and Jo Huyg, who lives in Rose Hill, worked with families and young people in Rose Hill to create unique Christmas lights, based on participants’ hobbies and interests, to be displayed on people’s houses, the Community Centre, and Rose Hill Primary School. A ‘lighting up’ event was held on 15 December, when more than 80 people joined the artists and project participants on a walking tour of the estate.
Inspired by the positive response of participants and the Rose Hill community, and thanks to another grant from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, we are going to continue and expand the programme over the next three years.
Elvis Light, taken by Abi Johnson
Rose Hill sign