Community Co-Production in Living Colour
Who Are the People of Paulsgrove?
Paulsgrove is a strong, proud, working-class community in Portsmouth, built on resilience, resourcefulness, and real local pride.
From families who’ve lived here for generations to young people shaping its future, Paulsgrove is full of stories worth telling.
The People of Paulsgrove project is a bold, joyful celebration of that spirit — a giant community mural co-designed with every primary school in the area, as well as families, older residents and local creatives.
Led by Seekers Create, the mural captures Paulsgrove’s history, humour and hopes — all told by the people who live, work or play here.
From families who’ve lived here for generations to young people shaping its future, Paulsgrove is full of stories worth telling.
The People of Paulsgrove project is a bold, joyful celebration of that spirit — a giant community mural co-designed with every primary school in the area, as well as families, older residents and local creatives.
Led by Seekers Create, the mural captures Paulsgrove’s history, humour and hopes — all told by the people who live, work or play here.
Making Magic in the Classroom - 1,000 Artists, 1 Big Wall
Classrooms turned into art studios, laughter echoed as over 1,000 children across Paulsgrove picked up their pens, and their wildest ideas to help shape the mural. Each workshop was packed with creativity and curiosity. We talked about favourite places, family legends, and what makes Paulsgrove feel like home.
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Some drew dragons guarding the chalk-pits, others doodled nan’s garden or the ice cream shop on Allaway Avenue.
Every mark mattered — every child’s voice helped build a shared vision of Paulsgrove’s past, present and future. The energy was electric, the ideas unstoppable. Together, we created more than a mural — we sparked a movement of young artists proud of where they come from. |
In total, we worked with around 1,000 pupils — capturing their memories, ideas, and dreams.
These contributions directly shaped the design, which features an abstract map of Paulsgrove layered with symbols, doodles, and community stories.
Why Seekers?
Seekers Create doesn’t just make art — we build projects that grow from the ground up, using a model called Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD).
That means we start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We look for:
People of Paulsgrove is co-creation at its best.
It’s art rooted in real people, real stories, and real belonging.
That means we start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We look for:
- The creativity already alive in classrooms
- The stories sitting with older neighbours
- The skills hidden in community halls, kitchens, garages and gardens
People of Paulsgrove is co-creation at its best.
It’s art rooted in real people, real stories, and real belonging.
Up the Grove, We Go!
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The Paulsgrove wall is MASSIVE to paint,
At times it’s wobbly, not for the faint! I’ve been up and down ladders with Steve and Kim, Our Seekers crew — full of flair and vim. We’ve doodled and sprayed for all to see, Adding colour, stories, and community glee. It’s been a bit scary (that wall’s SO high!) But we’re repping Paulsgrove — reaching the sky! 🌈 Big love to everyone cheering us on – This mural’s becoming a proper Grove icon 💥 More to come… but for now, here’s a sneak peek, Of a wall that’s loud, proud, bold and unique! 💛 |
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What’s Next? The So Paulsgrove Trail
The mural may be complete, but the story continues...
We’re now working with Castle View Academy on the So Paulsgrove Trail — a street-based extension of the mural that brings Paulsgrove’s stories out into the community.
We’re now working with Castle View Academy on the So Paulsgrove Trail — a street-based extension of the mural that brings Paulsgrove’s stories out into the community.
What to expect:
- 12 custom-painted shields, each inspired by a letter from the mural
- Every shield tells a unique story from Paulsgrove’s history and people
- A digital map version so you can explore the trail online and on foot
Thank You, Paulsgrove!... Up The Grove!
This project was possible thanks to everyone working together for our community:
The People of Paulsgrove mural is a celebration of community, creativity, and shared history. Through the collective efforts of residents, artists, local leaders, and local businesses we are creating a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations.
Painting a story that belongs to all of us!
Painting a story that belongs to all of us!
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