A project which aims to instill a sense of civic pride was unveiled today after school children worked with artists to produce public art.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Opening of the new public art work Our Rainbow Of Intelligences.Opening of the new public art work Our Rainbow Of Intelligences. (Image: Archant)

Our Rainbow Of Intelligence is made up of a series of mosaic orbs, decorated tiled benches and a digitally printed mural.

Children from Manor Longbridge Primary School worked at the Taylor Wimpey Academy Central site in Barking where they designed and created the work for residents to enjoy.

Taylor Wimpey approved the project commissioned by Studio 3 Arts.

Liza Vallance, artistic director at Studio 3 Arts, said: “We’re really interested in civic pride and making locals proud of their area.

“We jumped at the chance to do this because it’s really good for children to be able to influence the look of a new, pioneering housing development in the borough.”

The children used the history of the site as stimulus for their work and were involved in the project from its start in February.

The artwork they created was scanned and applied digitally to tiles in an outdoor seating area.

It will remain as part of the Academy Central development for years to come.

Linda Culverwell, one of the artists, explained the project is important for empowering the community.

“It’s been great connecting with children, who are the future of the area, with a piece of work which will be around for the next 30 years,” she said.

“It’s important to do community and public art work so people feel like they’re connected to their area.

“And it’s really brightened up the place too.”

Anne Tabrett, head of school at Manor Longbridge Primary, said the artists held sessions with the children over two weeks before pupils came to check on the progress.

“They’re delighted to see their work on something permanent and lasting,” she added.

“They’re really proud to see it all on display.”

Khiara Odijie, nine, who is in year four at the school, enjoyed a change from the classroom and said he hopes to work on a similar project again soon.

“It was fun because we got to do different activities to what we normally do in the classroom.

“We were allowed to make things really messy with glue.”