The project was part of a London 2012 host borough wide Legacy Champions programme which was supported by EDF Energy and youth charity Envision.

Students from the College’s Level 1 Public Services course decided to produce the artwork after surveying the local community about what they liked about living in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

The main themes from the survey included the impact of the riots in June 2011, the celebration of equality and diversity, the pride of the military connections with Greenwich and the anticipation and excitement around the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A local artist Shallman Quashie originally from Ghana, West Africa volunteered his expertise to visually portray the student’s findings.

Speaking at the exhibition launch, Greenwich Community College Principal praised the project, he said:

“Looking at the painting, it is hard to believe that the students only had three months to work on the project from the initial idea, through to the finished artwork. It is testament to their team work and commitment that the project has been so successful.”

17 year old student Ugur Celikbilek from Eltham, who helped out with the painting, was delighted with the outcome of the project:

“It was excellent working with Shallman and I am proud that the painting has been displayed in the community”.

Artist Shallman Quashie thanked the students for their hard work and commitment, he said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this project and hope it is the first of many with Greenwich Community College.”

The exhibition runs until the 21st October and includes additional artwork by Shallman Quashie as well as the story of the Legacy Champions Project which involved community projects by over 300 students from all the Further Education Colleges in the London 2012 host boroughs.