Graffiti Project

This was a response by Sarah Hicks, to requests from some of the local kids. She works full time as an artist with plenty of workshop experience. The group discussed the idea and thanks to a lot of form filling by Andrea Dixon, we managed to get a load of lottery funding to turn our ideas into reality. Sarah and another local graffiti artist are now running a series of 6 week courses which give some of our youngsters the opportunity to learn about graffiti and have a go at doing it properly. We are able to engage with them through something that they are interested in and so can address issues such as anti-social behaviour, bullying, the laws surrounding the use of spray paint and the difference between art and vandalism.

So far the work produced has been spectacular with some amazing pieces now a permanent fixture on the park fence. More will be going up soon, so look out for a giant pink monster and some punk pandas amongst other things.

The final phase of this project will result in some designs being painted directly onto the ramps. This will enable us to clear some of the offensive drivel that has been scrawled on there by those of our community who clearly have no respect for anyone or anything.

(nominated for best lottery funded arts project in Britain .)

The group continue to meet on a regular basis with plans for the future including getting some lighting sorted for the winter months and hopefully a park extension at some point.

In the mean time, big thanks go out to-

Rob - for being down on that park every day to sweep it and keep it clean and tidy and motivate the rest of us to keep pushing things forward.

Andrea - for sacrificing precious spare time to put in funding bids and communicate with the powers that be.

Judith – for being so generous with her time to help us keep all the books in order and communicate with the press.

Sarah – for generally running around like a headless chicken to do what she can to keep things moving forward.

Phil – for his tireless work on the web site.

Adam- for his photographic skills.

Chris- for generally being a dude in any way he can!

Also- big ups to Gazz, Razz and Jess for their time and help.