LOOKUP Portsmouth Transforms Salvation Army St Pauls Hostel

The annual LOOKUP Portsmouth street art festival, held on the 14th and 15th of September, bestowed a remarkable transformation upon the Salvation Army Portsmouth Homeless Families Services, Catherine Booth House on St Paul’s Road, courtesy of a striking mural created by the exceptional James Reka, an Australian muralist and fine artist. 

This vibrant mural is a feast for the eyes; its bold colours designed to captivate and inspire. Intentionally left untitled, it invites viewers to interpret its meaning based on their own feelings, serving as a beacon of brightness in the community. Reka’s artistry is consistently centred around themes of communal wellbeing and support, further reinforcing the mural’s positive impact. 

“Each morning, I have the privilege of driving in to my workplace, where my heart is full of pride in everything we do and the art is a reminder that every day is a day filled with hope and love,” reflects Katrina Fell, the Service Manager at Salvation Army Portsmouth Homeless Families Services. 

Katrina conveys heartfelt appreciation for the generous support extended by Lookup Portsmouth and its director, Angela Parks. The hostel's previously "uninviting" white garden wall has been transformed into a stunning focal point, much to the delight of families who can now gather in the garden to reflect and enjoy their surroundings. This remarkable change is attributed to the artistic vision of Fark FK, who was brought in by LOOKUP Portsmouth to enhance the lifehouse’s environment.  

“These artworks give meaning to what we do and that we support and care for very vulnerable families,” she states, adding that as a community-facing organisation, they “feel so lucky to have been chosen, especially by a world-renowned artist.” 

The 2024 LOOKUP Portsmouth project featured contributions from 117 artists, with permanent artworks displayed across more than 30 locations. The organisers noted that many artists addressed urgent social and global issues through their creations. 

The festival unites the finest international, national, and local talents to produce enduring works of art throughout Portsmouth. This year, there was a notable emphasis on including female street artists and other under-represented groups within the community. The aim is to cultivate a pool of high-quality local and female artists for future selections. 

Unlike typical street art festivals that are confined to small areas, LOOKUP Portsmouth spans the entire city, described by organisers as bringing art directly to the community’s doorsteps. It also provides a platform for local artists to hone their skills while networking with their peers. 

The Salvation Army – Portsmouth Homeless Families Services, Catherine Booth House which houses 21 families, provides temporary accommodation to vulnerable families experiencing homelessness. It supports couples with children under the age of 5, as well as male and female single parent families and pregnant mothers, in a safe and supportive environment that allows individual needs to be met.