Community-Led Public Art Celebrates Local Stories Through Augmented Reality

A bold new public artwork has been unveiled at Priory Court estate in Walthamstow, London. Titled The Priory Court Unity Banner, the monumental mural was co-created by renowned UK artist INSA in collaboration with local arts organisations Wood Street Walls CIC , The Digital Story Company CIC, and members of the local community.

Priory Court Unity Banner by INSA
Credit Tim Crocker Photography

Spanning 160 square meters across six storeys, this is the first permanent public artwork in the 80-year history of the Priory Court estate and stands as one of the largest animated murals in the UK. Using INSA’s signature “GIF-ITI” technique—a fusion of painted street art and augmented reality—the mural comes to life when viewed through the GIF-ITI Viewer app on mobile devices.

This animated piece draws from the tradition of banner-making, celebrating themes of nature, memory, and community. At its heart is a willow tree representing the estate’s living history. Delicate embroidered details reference skilled sewers once residing in the area and pay homage to Walthamstow’s rich textile heritage, including that of William Morris. Earth flags lining the top and bottom symbolize both global diversity and lunar cycles.

The design emerged from extensive community consultation: over 60 face-to-face interviews, workshops, and focus groups. Local young people not only collected stories but also learned painting and animation techniques, contributing ideas for the final composition. Elderly residents from a community sewing group, The Bees Knees, crafted fox-themed appliqués which were integrated into the mural’s border.

Priory Court Unity Banner by INSA Credit Tim
Crocker Photography

About INSA

INSA is a London-based artist known for combining fine art, street art, and digital media to create globally recognized animated murals. His work incorporates augmented reality and internet-based interaction, reimagining the role of murals in contemporary urban spaces.

About The Digital Story Company CIC

A creative social enterprise using storytelling to amplify community voices and preserve local heritage through co-created artistic projects.

About Wood Street Walls CIC

An East London-based arts organisation focused on empowering communities through public art. Over the last decade, they’ve facilitated over 200 murals and host two artist workspaces in Walthamstow.