Students from St. Wilfrid's School (CoE) and Beardwood School (majority Muslim) in Blackburn were brought together during this project to discuss their thoughts and feelings about racial bullying in their schools and communities. They then worked together with a local community artist to design a banner and mosaic which expressed their feelings surrounding the issues they had discussed.

The students, aged 14-15, welcomed the opportunity to meet young people of another faith and they worked together constuctively to produce two pieces of artwork. These carried a message of hope to their peers, teachers and community members - the main image in both pieces was that of two hands of different colours clasping each other. The banner carries a simple yet powerful message from the students - 'Unity'.

The artwork will be shown at the Blackburn Museum from 20th February 2006. Each school will then house one piece permanently, as a reminder of their positive experience working together, and to give a message to the local community about living together in peace. It is hoped the schools will carry on working together in the future.

Project type

• Schools
• Interfaith
• Anti-racism

Region

• Blackburn