Alpona Art at Arnold Road

At Jerram Falkus we are passionate about celebrating the vibrant and dynamic communities we serve. We are also committed to improving mental health in construction and within our workforce. When Social Value Manager, Alison Cormack was given the opportunity to bring these two threads together on our Arnold Road project in Bow she jumped at the chance!

We wanted to support a local resident to deliver an interactive project so we teamed up with Ziah.

Supporting a Local Artist 

Ziah, is a first-year student currently studying for her degree in Fine Art at Metropolitan University, having already undertaken her BTEC in art at a local    college. She is familiar with the Alpona art style and was keen to participate when asked.

Alpona is a style of art that typically consists of coloured motifs, patterns and symbols.

Jerram Falkus Construction have worked with Ziah to produce this traditional Bengali art in the site canteen, with our staff encouraged to take part.

Ziah said, “This wellbeing concept really appealed to me, so I researched Alpona and this Bengali art form is really relevant in this east end neighbourhood. I started with painting a lotus flower as this signifies rebirth, which is quite apt considering that there is a new building being placed here! I then went on to add outlines of traditional art, so that the construction team could colour the shapes in. Lastly, the site manager asked for a window as there isn’t one in the room, so I duly obliged!”.

This project will also help Ziah to add work-based evidence to her art portfolio and she will also be given a reference from Jerram Falkus.

“I was delighted to be asked to support this art project as it helps me to build my university portfolio.”

Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing

The art project, supports health, wellbeing and better mental health via art therapy. The team on site have been invited to colour in patterns depicted on the walls. Studies show that participating with art projects such as this, can help to reduce stress, combat loneliness, build confidence and boost connectedness to others.

Recent statistics show that 97% of workers in the construction industry experience stress, 87% experience anxiety and 70% experience depression.

The Alpona art activity provides support to the staff to help lower these rates, along with displayed information in the welfare area that offers advice on where to get help, should staff require it.

A Collaboration

Stephen Reynolds , the project manager, has worked closely with Ziah throughout the process.

Stephen said, “This art initiative really demonstrates how construction projects can offer support to our employees, in particular, the construction site staff. With this art activity, we have worked collaboratively with a local student and our company social value manager. I would not hesitate to undertake this again on any of my future projects as it’s been a privilege to be able to support a local young person, incorporate a local Bengali art form and to also help support the metal health and wellbeing of our site team.”

Social Value Manager Alison, who organised the project said “The site wanted to add some character to the welfare area, to brighten it up for the workers, so this project not only fits in with celebrating the culture of the immediate area, but also helps with supporting metal health of the workforce by introducing art therapy.”

Jerram Falkus is keen to make a local positive community engagement impact within all its projects across London and the south east. By delivering activities such as this, we can ensure that wider community health and wellbeing and belonging is promoted via active and positive engagement. We are keen to work alongside local community groups and support individuals who have the knowledge and expertise in the area. This way we can leave a meaningful legacy and to help to support and build towards resilient local communities for the future.

Arnold Road, Bow

Jerram Falkus are currently delivering 62 new social homes at Arnold Road, E3, for our client, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The new homes will include disability adapted units, alongside the new homes, we are delivering a new play area and five commercial units.

Find out more on the project page

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