Project Parr

Project Parr is an artistic collective run by a group of young people from Broad Oak Community Primary School with support from artists 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.

The project uses creativity, collaboration, and place-based thinking to bring the children’s ideas to life and support them as active citizens shaping the future of their neighbourhood.

Year 2

For their second year 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. Alongside these ideas are interviews, written and hosted by the children, with local changemakers to learn more about what’s required for ordinary people to make change in their own communities.

On February 25th 2026 the collective will host a book launch event where they will present the book to local partners, decision-makers, community organisations, and supporters. The book, feedback questionnaire and launch event offer the opportunity to hear directly from the young authors, feedback on their plans and celebrate their imaginative ideas for the future of Parr. The feedback and conversation will be considered by the children while they decide which of their projects they would like to bring to life in the final year of the project.

The book's words, ideas and conversations were written, designed and led by the collective. Their ideas have been brought to life through illustrations by Rhi Moxon and graphic design by Will Brady.

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).

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!