Creative Wings takes flight

Creative Wings, led by artist Izi Harris, is inviting young people to create individual feathers using drawings, words and patterns inspired by their lives, experiences and aspirations.

The feathers will eventually be brought together to create a striking sculptural swan, transforming hundreds of individual contributions into one collective artwork.

Cllr Sue Doran, Chair of Spelthorne Borough Council’s Community Wellbeing and Housing Committee, said: “Creative Wings will give young people an opportunity to express themselves, share what matters to them and leave their mark on Spelthorne. Every feather will tell a different story, and together those voices will create something much bigger – a shared picture of what it means to be young in Spelthorne in 2026. I’m really looking forward to seeing the creativity and imagination that young people will bring to the project.”

The completed Swan will be exhibited at Staines Library Hub from 26 October to 13 December 2026. Each feather will also be photographed and preserved in a digital archive for Spelthorne Museum, creating a lasting record of young people's lives, creativity and experiences in 2026.

The project aims to capture 1,500 feathers and 1,500 voices, creating a unique snapshot of young people across the borough. Schools and groups taking part are being asked to return completed feathers by 18 October 2026.

Creative Wings is part of the Escalate Arts programme and is supported by Arts Council England.