Youngsters cover graffiti with mural

Norfolk,England,UK

01 August 2004 20:47

Youngsters from a Norwich estate with an eye for art have created a huge colourful mural with spray paint, covering over messy graffiti.

More than 40 youngsters, aged nine to 16, took part in the community project to improve the image of a brick wall, which had previously been a target for vandals and illegal graffiti artists.

The city council gave the youngsters permission to spray paint over the messy "taglines" peppering the long garage wall, off Bowers Avenue, in Mile Cross, with designs of their choice.

Schoolboy Ethan Solomon, who goes by the tag name "Soly", said he had enjoyed taking part and liked the finished design.

"It's given us something to do and something to be proud of. We haven't got much to do normally," he said.

The 14-year-old Hewett School pupil added he hoped to take part in future art projects.

"I am interested in art — I do it at school. But this gives me a chance to express myself, plus, I have learnt a lot from the professionals."

Kevin Parker, of the Urban Art Project, which supervised the group, said he really enjoyed helping to inspire the youngsters.

"The project was groundbreaking in the area and the enthusiasm and energies from all the artists was amazing. We aim to follow up with more projects building on the continued involvement from these young people."

Samantha Allison, the council's executive member for community, said she hoped there would be more projects in the pipeline.

"This is great, a project that benefits both the local community in tidying an area previously targeted by vandalism and involving the young people themselves, showing them what can be achieved. This is one of the things we need to get our wardens more involved in."

Another art project is due to start soon. To find out more and to get involved with the Urban Art Project team, call 01603 250185 or email info@urbanartproject.com