Date
Summer + Autumn 2026
Image Credits
Children and young people will create artworks telling the story of Stonegrove through their own eyes and perspectives, facilitated by local artist Esperanza Walsh. The sessions will be delivered by SEYP Young Leaders, local young people acting as inspiration for their peers. Together they will develop a permanent artwork reflecting and 'setting in stone' these community stories.
Two ‘Light-focused’ events will be held to provide opportunities for sharing stories across generations and cultures in a safe creative space. Local faith and community groups will also be invited to participate. The artist will help us to reflect imaginatively and positively on this local area while co-producing a heritage piece of community art.
"Our project celebrates the positive transformation of an entire area through estate regeneration. It will bring together young people and community members to share knowledge, experiences, and perspectives across cultures and generations. Participants will co-create a heritage artwork which explores identity, community, and renewal while strengthening connections between residents old and new. The project will foster creativity, mutual understanding, and pride in place, as young and old people share and shape their community’s evolving story."
About the Stonegrove Estates' Youth Project + St Peter's Stonegrove
SEYP was established by local stakeholders in 2006 at a dark time for the estate. Since then, with the support of local young people, SEYP has been delivering grant-funded community youthwork in the local community, shining a positive light in what was formerly known as a dangerous area. SEYP is managed by St Peter’s Church. In 2016 we moved with our partners the Stonegrove Community Trust to our innovative joint community and church centre called OneStonegrove, a beacon for community cohesion which was awarded a Civic prize by the London Borough of Barnet.
About the Artist
Esperanza Walsh is a London-based artist whose practice explores connection, community, and the transformative potential of creative expression. Working across media including painting, collaborative art, and socially engaged practice, her work centres on participation, storytelling, and the emotional resonance of shared artistic experiences. Walsh’s approach is grounded in the belief that art can create spaces for reflection, communication, and belonging, particularly for individuals and groups whose voices are often underrepresented. Through exhibitions, therapeutic work, and community-based projects, Esperanza Walsh continues to develop an inclusive practice that bridges art-making, wellbeing, and social engagement, highlighting art’s capacity to nurture resilience, foster empathy, and create meaningful collective experiences.
Light + Flight is presented by Art in Barnet. It is supported by a Cultural Impact Award, part of the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture programme. It is made possible with additional support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.
