A community led solution to a rubbish problem

Love St Paul’s is an unusual art project where youth groups in the area design and decorate bins with their own artwork.

Using crayons, pens and splashes of paint, children drew pictures of fictional superheroes and catchy slogans and designed funny clothes for cut-out figures using different materials.

Through a series of craft workshops, and with the help of local artist Deborah Weinreb, they were encouraged to talk about waste, litter and fly-tipping and how to improve the streets of St Paul’s.

Sylvia Vincent from Imayla also helped with the project. The St Paul’s-based charity offers fun and learning opportunities for young people by combining creative arts and environmental activities inspired by the natural environment.

“If children in the St Paul’s youth projects could change anything in the area, it would be to stop fly-tipping, increase recycling and remove litter on the street.

“The project allowed children to explore themes around the environment, with discussions about the litter in St Paul’s and the importance of respecting our neighbourhoods, presenting an opportunity for children to make a tangible difference in their own communities.”

Jahmeil Smart with his artwork – photo: Chris Bahn

Bristol Waste hopes the bin art will enhance the St Paul’s area and inspire discussions about litter.

Speaking about the importance of the project, Jak Boydon who works on Bristol Waste’s community engagement programme, said: “We believe that by working together with the communities, the council and Bristol Waste, we can make a real, positive impact on the areas we live and work in.

Kye Dudd, Labour’s cabinet member briefing for climate, ecology, energy and waste said: “The Love St Paul’s project shows that by working together, we can collectively make a real difference in cleaning up the streets of Bristol.

“This project will help make sure St Paul’s is a clean and safe space for everyone to enjoy. We are proud to be a part of something that has captured the creativity and vision of young people in the area to help tackle an issue that they can say affects them.”

Source: https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/arts/a-community-led-solution-to-a-rubbish-problem/

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