Magic Corner: Playground Refurbishment & Mural

Aim

We’re raising funds to create a safe, climate-resilient, co-designed playground at Manor House Gardens through art, planting, and community.

Who are we, and what is our project about?

Art Voyage CIC is led by Iranian-born curator and cultural producer Tima Jam, whose 20-year international career spans Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Through public art, exhibitions, and community programmes, she has championed underrepresented voices and fostered cultural connection across communities.

For Tima, Manor House Gardens is more than just a park, it is part of her family's story. Having lived in Hither Green,for many years, she spent countless hours there with her young daughter, watching her grow, play, and connect with the local community.

Through spending time in the park with her daughter, Tima recognised the potential for further investment in spaces where children and families gather. Inspired by the community and the park's importance to local residents, she decided to take action.

Previously in 2025: "To Move is to Bloom" by Vladimir Lalić, Curated by Tima Jam and Art Voyage Biennial CIC. Supported by Arts Council England through National Lottery Project Grants.

In 2025, Tima curated a permanent public artwork in the park (To Move is to Bloom), funded by Arts Council England. Located beside the lake, the installation has since become a recognised landmark and a symbol of the park's cultural life. Its positive reception demonstrated the power of creative placemaking and laid the foundation for this new project, which aims to further enrich the park for future generations.

Why are we crowdfunding?

The Manor House Gardens playground, although located in a much-loved community park, is in urgent need of improvement. The play area has outdated grey surfacing installed over 20 years ago, damaged flooring, and several pieces of broken equipment. It currently offers very limited activities for children, specifically for those aged 2–5, leaving younger families without a safe or engaging space to play. 

Therefore, it is an urgent case to attend to, however as refurbishment and mural art for the area is costly, neither the park nor Lewisham Council currently have the budget to address these issues, leaving the playground increasingly inaccessible and underused.

This funding will help us transform The Manor House Gardens playground into a vibrant, inclusive space by delivering free creative workshops and community planting days that bring residents, schools, and local organisations together. 

By supporting collaborative mural-making and ecological restoration, such as planting climate-resilient species, enhancing biodiversity, and encouraging long-term environmental stewardship, the project will strengthen community bonds, boost local pride, and create a greener, more sustainable public space where people of all ages can connect, express their creativity, and take collective action for their local environment.

How we’ll spend the money raised

For this project, we require a minimum of £96,023. With £72,023 expected from Arts Council National Lottery fund and private partners, we still need to raise the remaining £24000. 

By contributing to our crowdfund, and unlocking Aviva’s match funding, you can help to bring The Magic Corner project to life. As a charitable CIC, the funds raised will go directly toward high-quality community improvements with the support of The London Mural Company, Glendale, Manor House Gardens and with the majority of the Aviva funding dedicated to replacing and upgrading the playground flooring by Abacus Playgrounds and enhancing the surrounding gardens. Meanwhile, fair pay for artist Zoe Powers and community contributors will be supported through Arts Council and external funding, ensuring the project delivers a safe, vibrant, and sustainable space for families and residents.

Short breakdown:

• Eco-conscious resurfacing of playground areas
• Climate-resilient plants & biodiversity-enhancing landscaping
• Artist fees for mural development
• Community workshop facilitation
• Materials, tools, and protective coatings
• Project coordination & community engagement

You're not just funding a playground,you're creating a place where childhood memories are made!

How you can help

1- Match Funding: 

For this project we require a minimum of  £96,023 with  £72,023 expected from Arts Council and private partners, we still need to raise the remaining £24000 to refurbish 700sqm playground flooring. Therefore by contributing to our crowdfund, and unlocking Aviva’s match funding,you can help secure the long-term future of the Magic Corner Project, ensuring the playground and gardens are transformed into a vibrant, sustainable space for the whole community.

2. Support in Donation progress:

Every donation brings us closer to achieving our goal, and early support helps build momentum that encourages others to get involved. By backing this project, you not only contribute directly to the transformation of the playground and gardens, but also help us connect with a wider network of local businesses and community supporters, creating opportunities for long-term partnerships and sustainable sponsorship for the Magic Corner Project.

3. Spread the word

Share our project with friends, family and your wider network. The more people we reach, the more likely we are to succeed.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 6th September 2026 at 11:59pm