At The Bunker, a group of young people from band clubs are using Stage 2 of the KEY+ Challenge to transform an underused space into something meaningful, creative and lasting.
After speaking with Isaac from Tricit and the groups facilitator, Helen, it’s clear that this project is about more than just a mural. It’s about creating connection and celebrating and strengthening the sense of community within The Bunker.
The idea came from noticing that part of the building wasn’t being used and imagining what it could become. The group decided to turn the space into a visual representing The Bunker’s past, present and future, designed by the young people who use the space.
Isaac explained that the project aims to “help get more of a community space in a part of The Bunker that isn’t used,” by creating a mural that reflects the experiences and people who make The Bunker what it is.
What The Bunker represents for the Young People
For the young people involved, The Bunker is more than just a rehearsal space. It’s somewhere they can be themselves, play music freely and feel part of something bigger.
Isaac described it as “a really special place for all of us because we get to come here and play music however loud we want,” but also highlighted the importance of community and connection – something Isaac said that the KEY+ Challenge has helped to strengthen by bringing people together through shared projects.
That sense of connection is at the heart of the mural design. The artwork will include references to tutors who play a key role at The Bunker, recognising the people who support and guide these young people every day. Small details – like a tutor’s red headphones or distinctive tattoos – are being woven into the design as personal touches that reflect what matters to the group.
Choosing to represent The Bunker’s past, present and future was a decision the group made because they felt it was important to show that the space is always evolving and that its history and future are just as important as what’s happening now. Isaac said: “The Bunker would be nothing without it’s past and will go nowhere without it’s future, so you need to show all three of the important aspects.”
A project that’s truly youth-led
A key part of the project has been making sure everyone’s ideas are included. Rather than a small group making all the decisions, the young people are holding a dedicated band club workshop where everyone attending can contribute to the design.
Later, the mural will be painted together, using a “paint by numbers” approach to make sure everyone can get involved, regardless of experience or confidence with art. The group described how they’ve worked collaboratively throughout, sharing ideas and agreeing on decisions together.
Through planning and delivering the project, the group has developed a range of new skills. They spoke about building confidence in communication and decision-making, particularly through working together and discussing ideas as a group.
They also gained practical experience managing a budget – deciding what was most important to spend money on first like wood and paint and thinking about how to support people taking part in long workshops by providing food and drink.
When asked what they were most proud of, Isaac spoke about the permanence of the project and knowing that the mural will be on the wall for a long time and will continue to reflect their contribution to The Bunker.
They shared that they’re proud to have planned and delivered the project themselves and are already thinking ahead. The group are keen to move into Stage 3 of the KEY+ Challenge, with ambitions to organise a gig – taking the skills they’ve built and applying them to a new challenge.
Their message to other young people thinking about getting involved in the KEY+ Challenge? “It’s very useful because you gain skills but it’s also fun.”
*Image Credit: The Bunker
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