'We want them to shape the places around them': Children create 'magical' mural for Portsmouth100

Children from a Portsmouth school helped create a large-scale mural in their playground to help mark the city’s centenary.

The painting project at St George's Beneficial Primary in Portsea was part of the 100 Sparks initiative led by Seekers Create, which is using this special year to collect and celebrate 100 people, places, organisations, stories and events that Portsmouth can be proud of.

Every child at the school, from Year One to Year Six, took part in interactive creative activities throughout the day. Using Seekers Create’s large-scale doodle games and symbol-based activities, pupils explored their connection to Portsmouth, their local area and the things they value most about where they live.

They then got to work, using their responses and drawings to transform a previously plain playground space into a colourful visual artwork filled with doodles, symbols, clouds and their creative contributions. The finished mural now remains on site as a celebration of the school and the Portsea community.

The playground previously had very little colour or green space, and the project aimed to brighten the environment while helping children feel connected to their school, community and city.

Clair Martin, Founder of Seekers Create, said: “This project is about giving children ownership over their space and helping them feel proud of the city they live in. We want them to see that creativity, stories and ideas matter, and that they can shape the places around them. We always try to create work with communities rather than for communities. The children didn’t just watch this mural happen, they actively shaped it. Their ideas, drawings and conversations became part of the artwork itself. Through 100 Sparks, we’re collecting the things that make Portsmouth special, and St George’s has now become part of that story.”

Izzy Lewis, Head Teacher at St George’s , added: "It's amazing to be involved in such a dynamic and high impact collaboration. This project has brought a little extra magic to the Portsea community."

100 Sparks is a partnership project between Seekers Create, Shaping Portsmouth and Spark Community Space. The initiative will grow into trails, exhibitions, creative events and a citywide colouring book for local children. Residents across the city are also being invited to nominate their own “Spark” by submitting the people, places, organisations or moments they believe Portsmouth should celebrate.

The mural project at St Georges was supported by sponsor Spinnaker Tower. General manager Richard Hale said: “We’re proud to support the 100 Sparks project as gold sponsor and to see young people helping shape something lasting for their school and community. What Seekers Create are doing through this project is giving children a chance to celebrate Portsmouth, share their ideas and leave a visible mark on the place where they grow up. It’s great to see creativity being used in such a positive and inclusive way, while also bringing colour and energy into the playground space at St George’s.”

People can nominate their own Spark and find out more about the project at 100 Sparks Portsmouth