An artist has been selected to create a mile-long artwork on a wall between Custom House and North Woolwich.

Sonia Boyce, who grew up in Canning Town, was chosen from an international shortlist to create one of the longest artworks ever commissioned in the UK.

The artwork will run alongside the new Elizabeth line, which from December 2018 will connect Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

Feedback collected from the community noted Sonia’s intrinsic understanding of Newham, which will enable her to create something that accurately represents the rich and unique history of the area.

She will work with the community to develop the final design for the wall by running a series of workshops and events over the coming months.

The aim of these meetings will be to bring people together to discuss the events, people and places that have shaped their lives in Newham.

By exploring people’s memories of the area, it is hoped that the artwork will be able to represent all aspects of Newham’s diverse character.

This collaboration will be overseen by UP Projects who have been appointed by Crossrail to curate and manage the Newham wall artwork.

They are an art consultancy with over 15 years’ experience working with local communities to deliver public art commissions in the public realm.

The artist herself has strong links with the borough, having been brought up in Canning Town and educated in Plaistow.

She also taught at the University of East London and was awarded an MBE in 2007.

Over the last 30 years, she has emerged as one of the leading figures in the British art scene.

Her artistic interest lies in using art to explore social practice and the critical debates that arise from this.

Members of the community are invited to work with Sonia and contribute ideas at events on Sunday, October 15.

The first will take place at the Shipman Youth Centre between 11.30am and 1.30pm, with the second at the Royal Docks Learning and Activity Centre from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

Anyone who cannot attend but wishes to take part can email newhamcommission@upprojects.com