A STREET art installation is continuing to challenge stereotypes of people with learning disabilities.

Recognise Us, in Southend, places people with learning disabilities at centre stage as both artists and subjects.

The installation started last year, and one year after the official unveiling of the artwork, the team behind the project are celebrating its success.

They are now launching a postcard project based on the installation, with the images being sold on packs of postcards.

The original project was produced by Project 49 in collaboration with community arts organisations Art Doesn’t Discriminate and Street Art on Sea. It saw members of Southend’s learning disabled community creating portraits with renowned local painter John Bulley.

Project 49 is a day service for adults in Southend. The organisation focuses on creating opportunities for community inclusion.

The stencilled portraits made by the group were initially displayed on Sandhurst New Homes’ construction site hoarding in London Road.

They have since been moved to a new location in The Victoria Shopping Centre as part of 2017’s Estuary Fringe Festival.

John Bulley said it has been a huge success. He said: “It really has generated a lot of support and interest. The feedback has been amazing, because the images are so graphic and powerful people couldn’t ignore them.

“We are going to keep Recognise Us going, I’m going to paint one of the adults under the railway bridge in the High Street.”

The new postcard project was funded by Southend 125, Southend Council’s celebration of the incorporation of the borough in 1892.

It aims to demonstrate the inclusive nature of Southend and the creativity of the borough’s residents.

The artists took inspiration from charity Mencap’s recent Here I Am campaign, which argued that people with learning disabilities are often invisible within their communities.

Project 49’s regulars disagreed, and set out to create an installation to emphasise their members’ active and vibrant roles within Southend’s community.

Debbie Chapman, Project 49’s assistant manager, said: “‘It has been a fantastic project, which has already highlighted what can be achieved and how people with learning disabilities can contribute to their town.This postcard project will now enable an important message to be spread even wider.

“I am truly proud of everyone that has been involved.”

A launch event was held last month on the top floor of the Victoria Shopping Centre.