A new mural taking shape at the National Sports Centre celebrates Bermuda’s sporting achievements while telling the story of the island’s people, its creator has said.

James Cooke, a Bermudian muralist, was selected to deliver the work as part of Run for the Arts, in conjunction with the Bermuda National Gallery and sponsored by Ariel Re.

Commissioned by the BNG for the sports centre, the artwork incorporates many of the sports played at the facility while exploring the deeper role performed by athletics in shaping communities.

Mr Cooke said that the centre wanted as many sports played there as possible to be incorporated into the mural.

“It was a lot of sports to get into one picture, so I created almost like a pattern out of large fragments,” he added.

Flowing lines of colour connect each element, creating a feeling of movement and symbolising the energy and unity inspired by sport.

Mr Cooke also drew from the logos of sporting organisations, such as Bermuda Rugby’s longtail motif and colours found in branding used by the Bermuda Football Association.

Vibrant pink-and-blue bands that echo the BFA’s hues “bring the image together, but they’re also representative of movement”, the artist said.

He added: “Sport is all about action, but beyond that it’s about the networking and social organisation that sport provides in our local society.”

For Mr Cooke, sport represents more than competition. It is an area where people from different backgrounds come together and discover their strengths.

“Sports are where we find out who we are and who we’re not,” he said.

The artist admitted he was never particularly athletic growing up but remained fascinated by the lessons that come from sport.

“I wanted to be sporty, but it just didn't work out that way,” Mr Cooke said.

“Watching my friends, I realised sport teaches people whether they’re quick, agile or resilient, and those skills transfer into the real world.”

The commission also reflects the artist’s broader philosophy about public art — every project is approached as an opportunity to create something meaningful rather than simply fulfilling a contract.

“I always try to immerse myself in what I'm doing,” he said. “It’s an offering.”

After completing murals for Bermuda Walls, Mr Cooke said creating work that people recognise and relate to has become a priority.

“I want people to feel seen,” he said. “Sometimes public art leaves people asking, what is that doing here?

“I want to make work where people understand it and feel represented.”

Members of Bermuda’s sporting community have already noted references to their own organisations in the latest mural by Mr Cooke, suggesting that the symbolism has achieved its purpose.

Meanwhile, the artist hopes that the work will stand as a piece of public art capable of attracting international attention.

He said: “I want to accurately represent us as Bermudians while still making something incredible and eye-catching that people outside Bermuda can appreciate.”

The BNG Run for the Arts 5K supports a community fun run and walk, a public art programme and the gallery’s educational programming.

Mr Cooke’s latest project comes as he prepares for another career milestone — travelling to Southend-on-Sea, in Essex, England, to take part in Southend City Jam, an international mural festival featuring more than 200 artists from around the world.

Having secured a place through a competitive application process, the artist said that the opportunity offers international exposure while providing a chance to become part of a global creative community.

He offered simple advice to young creatives hoping to follow a similar path.

“Be relentless,” Mr Cooke said.

“If you don’t have the talent, work hard. If you do have the talent, you still have to work hard.

“Consistency and persistence are what make things happen.”