Art for good
HND Art & Design students from New College Lanarkshire have completed two large-scale community mural projects in partnership with Yardworks Glasgow, Yorkhill Housing Association and The Miracle Foundation, Motherwell.
Group 1 partnered with Yardworks Glasgow and Yorkhill Housing Association to transform the exterior of the Overnewton Centre in Yorkhill into a vibrant public artwork.
Working outdoors in all weather conditions, the students demonstrated exceptional resilience, professionalism, and teamwork to bring their design to life. The mural, inspired by the local community, was developed through participatory workshops where residents contributed ideas around nature, place, and belonging.
Course Leader Mia McGregor said:
“The group demonstrated incredible resilience — painting outdoors in every kind of weather while keeping spirits high. Their teamwork, creativity, and respect for the community have resulted in a mural of outstanding quality that truly reflects the people who live there.”
This collaboration, supported by Yardworks Glasgow, Scotland’s leading urban art network, and Yorkhill Housing Association, provided valuable real-world experience in project management, communication, and creative problem-solving while leaving a lasting visual legacy for the local community.
Group 2 – The Miracle Foundation
Group 2 collaborated with The Miracle Foundation, a Scottish charity that supports individuals and families through trauma, grief, and recovery.
The students created two murals: one designed for a sensory room, providing a calming, reflective environment, and another nature-inspired piece symbolising growth, hope, and new beginnings.
Both murals were developed through creative workshops with staff and participants from The Miracle Foundation, where the students gathered ideas, explored themes of healing, and translated these into thoughtful visual outcomes and NCL Prinicpal Professor Christopher Moore popped in for a visit this week.
Course Lead Mia McGregor said:
“This project goes beyond art and design; it’s about connection, compassion, and using creativity to make a real difference. The students have shown maturity and understanding in translating the charity’s values into two beautifully executed murals.”
Karen McLelland, Operations Manager at The Miracle Foundation, praised the collaboration:
“Fantastic team and have been an absolute pleasure. They have brought professionalism, creativity, and commitment to every interaction.”
“Their standard of work, their professionalism, and their complete respect for what we do were outstanding. They approached every aspect of the project with maturity and genuine enthusiasm; it was inspiring to watch. Across all our collaborations, your students have never once failed to meet our expectations — they’ve consistently exceeded them.”
“Their dedication, attitude, and quality of work make them a true asset to the college.”
Both mural projects showcase New College Lanarkshire’s commitment to experiential learning, giving students first-hand experience of client relations, collaborative design, and public engagement within the creative industries.
Course Lead Mia McGregor added:
“These projects are about more than painting walls — they’re about building connections, confidence, and professional practice. Our students have shown they can take on real commissions, work collaboratively with clients, and deliver art that has lasting social impact.”
The two murals stand as a testament to the power of creative education to inspire communities, strengthen partnerships, and empower the next generation of artists to make meaningful contributions to public life.