Coventry University to unite communities in artistic bid to depict the city’s image of hope

Coventry University wants people to take part in creating a stunning mural of phoenix wings made from photos showing what the people of Coventry feel represents hope, as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations. 

The university wants local schools and communities, including its own students, staff and alumni, to take photos symbolising hope, with the aim of gathering 1,000 meaningful images which will then be printed onto tiles and used to craft a mural near University Square in the heart of the city centre.  

The mural will resemble phoenix wings on the outside of The Hub building at Coventry University and will be completed ahead of February 2022 – the month which places an emphasis on hope as part of City of Culture celebrations. 

"This project is another great way for the university to engage with its local communities in and around Coventry and really come together to celebrate our city’s year in the national cultural limelight.  

The opportunity to demonstrate what can be produced when the university’s artistic expertise combines with the creativity of the people of Coventry was one we didn’t want to miss and we’re really hopeful that we can create something the city can be very proud of. We’re welcoming entries from anyone in and around Coventry who wants to get involved and help us create what will hopefully be a magnificent piece of art that will provide a great tribute to the city."

The university is encouraging those interested in getting involved to think outside the box and be as creative as they can be when deciding what best represents hope to them. Pictures of loved ones, famous people, landscapes, objects and more will all be considered to feature in the university’s hope mural. 

Learn more about Coventry’s year as the UK City of Culture and how to get involved in this project.