A Beautiful New Mural Blooms at Westgate House

Credit: Atma

A stunning new mural now brightens the front of ICM HQ at Westgate House, created with love, imagination and collaboration by our community.

Over 40 participants took part, including people seeking sanctuary, migrants, ESOL learners and young people from our South Street Kids project, joining forces with Art Eat Events and ICM to create a vibrant mural on our ICM HQ at Westgate House, supported by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Together they worked with internationally renowned mural artist Atma to shape a design that celebrates belonging, roots and shared journeys.

Workshop with ATMA to gather ideas and inspiration

“This mural is a positive offering to Ipswich. It's a reflection of the people who make this town what it is, people from many backgrounds, all adding beauty and meaning to this unique place.” ATMA

The artwork features hands offering colour, pattern and a bouquet to Ipswich. It represents generosity, unity and the beauty that comes when people from many backgrounds contribute to a shared home. It is bold, hopeful and full of heart.

“It’s about giving everyone a voice, especially those who are too often unheard, and transforming those voices into something permanent and positive in our town.”

Nikki Packham, ICM Operations Director

Credit: Elija Cook

Street art is purposeful public artwork that brings colour, identity and character to public spaces, distinct from graffiti, which comes from a different tradition and intent.

High-quality street art can lift an area, increase footfall, support nearby businesses, attract visitors and spark local pride, showing how creativity can generate social and economic benefits and help neighbourhoods thrive.

Local partners have played a big part in bringing this work to life, reflecting the shared community spirit behind it. Novotel Ipswich welcomed visiting artist Atma with accommodation, and Johnstone’s Paint supplied materials and specialist paints at a reduced cost, showing how businesses across the town value creativity and collaboration, and how kindness and pride fuel positive change.

The mural now stands as a marker of Ipswich’s welcoming and energetic character. A clear reminder that creating side by side strengthens the bonds between us.

Watch the mural unfold and hear more about it on Look East.

We want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to:

Atma – for creating such an extraordinary piece of public art that will inspire everyone who passes Westgate House.

Iona at Art Eat – for leading the collaboration and bringing together artists, partners and community voices with heart and care.

Leo – our young assistant from our Emulate project who supported the project.

All the participants – whose ideas, stories, patterns and creativity shaped the final design.

The National Lottery Community Fund for funding the project.

This mural arrives just in time for another exciting moment for us. Roots, our brand new community café at Westgate House on Museum Street, is opening as a festive pop up from 2 December to 24 December.

ipswichcm.org.uk/roots

Expect home cooked hearty food. fresh coffee. hot chocolate and cakes. Warm, cosy, welcoming vibes in the heart of Museum Street.

Open 9.30am to 4.30pm and staying open late on Thursday late night shopping days.

Come and see the mural, enjoy the café and be part of something growing and joyful in Ipswich.