Project Parr

Project Parr is a new artistic collective run by a group of young people from Broad Oak Community Primary School with support from Andy Field and Beckie Darlington and Heart of Glass. Running for three years from 2024-2027, the aim of the collective is to make art for, with and about the people of Parr in St Helens.

Year 1

In its first year the collective made a new documentary film, The Beautiful Things About, which told the story of Parr through the children’s own words and pictures alongside interviews they conducted with people from across the community.

With special thanks for participation in the film

Cath Brooks (Health Promotion Officer, Torus Foundation), Nicola Griffiths (Volunteer Coordinator, St Helens Health and Wellbeing Services), Stewart Brown (former Bold Colliery Miner), Councillor Bisi Osundeko (Elected Labour Councillor for Parr ward, St Helens), Miss Bancroft, Geoff Newton (AtoB Taxis), Ervis Kalemi (The Master Fryer Fish Bar), Bill, Dolly, Joe and staff at Madison Court Care Home, the team at Save Express Convenience Store, Parr Sports and Community Centre and Derbyshire Hill Family Centre, and to all of the staff at Broad Oak Community Primary School.

Thanks also to Sue and John Darlington, Mike Myshko, Tamsin Curry, Gary Conley and Jim Housley (Northwest Miners Heritage Association).

Year 2

For their second year project the collective have worked together to write a book exploring some of their hopes for the future of Parr. The book is a series of ‘fantasy interventions’ – descriptions in the children’s own words of a variety of projects they would like to make happen in the area, from parades, parties and feasts to new museums and monuments. Accompanying these proposals are interviews, written and conducted by the children, with local changemakers to learn more about what’s required for ordinary people to make change in their own communities.

The book will include words, ideas and conversations written, designed and lead by the collective. Their ideas have been brought to life through illustrations by Rhi Moxon and graphic design by Will Brady. On February 25th 2026 the collective will host a book launch event where Parr community members and changemakers, will hear from the collective and have the opportunity to respond with their thoughts on the ideas in the book.

With the culmination of Project Parr in 2027 the hope is that in the collective's final year of working together they can begin to make one of their ideas in to a reality.

Awards

On 10th July 2025, The Beautiful Things About was awarded the Digital Art Award (Primary School Aged Children Category) at the St Helens LCEP - Youth Open Art Competition. We're extremely proud of our young collaborators for their win!