Key Points
- Local students of Ark Burlington Danes Academy were invited to create art for St James’ White City Living development.
- The project aimed to capture the spirit, diversity, and energy of West London’s White City area.
- Students responded to the brief: “What does White City mean to you?”
- The resulting artworks have been installed on railway arches bordering the development, transforming the area into a vibrant outdoor gallery.
- Vice Principal Laura Morris praised the students’ ability to express identity and community through art.
- Students Esthefani Neves Pitan Ferreira and Rassah Hamdam shared personal inspirations behind their pieces.
- The project highlights art as a means of self-expression, community connection, and positive change.
- The collaboration is part of St James and Berkeley Group’s community engagement efforts.
What is the White City Living art project about?
As reported by Ldn-Post on October 16, 2025, St James, part of the Berkeley Group, collaborated with Ark Burlington Danes Academy in West London to showcase the talents of local young artists through a special public art installation at the White City Living development. Pupils from Years 10 to 13 were invited to respond to the brief “What does White City mean to you?” The quality of artwork produced was exceptional, capturing the spirit, diversity, and energy of the local area. The artworks were professionally produced and installed on railway arches bordering the development, transforming the space into a community-inspired outdoor gallery.
How did the school view the project’s impact?
Laura Morris, Vice Principal of Ark Burlington Danes Academy, emphasised the significance of art in self-expression and community connection. She stated,
“The vibrant pieces created for this community project showcase their inner worlds, serving as a striking representation of their thoughts and emotions.”
Morris further highlighted that the art functions as a public dialogue, strengthening community bonds and embodying the school’s vision of passion, creativity, and commitment translating into positive contributions beyond the school.
What did the students say about their artworks?
Esthefani Neves Pitan Ferreira described her inspiration as the rich timeline and dynamic transformation of White City. She commented,
“Studying at Burlington Danes Academy, nestled in a historic building from 1927, and living in White City has allowed me to appreciate the vibrant timeline of cityscape, rich with diverse traditions and trends.”
Esthefani’s artwork weaves together elements of culture, diversity, and vibrancy, highlighting London’s iconic crest, the dragon. She expressed a vision for making the world a better place through art.
Another student, Rassah Hamdam, shared his personal connection, saying,
“I’ve been living in White City since 2019, and it has become one of my favourite parts of London, celebrating diversity and peace.”
His painting merges historical artistry inspired by Edouard Monet with contemporary White City elements, incorporating local photographs and symbols of peace and equality such as weighing scales and lotus flowers.
What broader significance does this project hold?
The project exemplifies how art can be a powerful medium for young people to express identity, foster community engagement, and inspire positive social change. The collaborative installation not only beautifies the White City area but also creates a valuable narrative connecting residents, artists, and visitors alike. This initiative is a vital part of St James and the Berkeley Group’s commitment to embedding culture and creativity in urban development.
