Major street art project launches in Nottingham

The Nottingham Project, a new board with the aim of rejuvenating the city, has announced a street art project to celebrate ‘rebels and pioneers’ in Nottingham.

The project is backed by Nottingham City Council, Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID) and the Canal & River Trust, and the first phase of work is underway with the ambition to grow the project into one of the best collections of street art in the world.

It is hoped that the project will drive tourism and bring people back to the city’s shops and businesses as Covid-19 restrictions come to an end.

The announcement comes with the unveiling of the first mural, celebrating Nottingham’s history within the lace industry, which has been created on the Nottingham City Council Car Park by artist Rubes.

Work will soon begin on the second mural, honouring the life and achievements of Eric Irons OBE, the first black magistrate in the UK, with artwork by Honey Williams.

 Lee Walker, director of The Nottingham Project, said: ‘This is an incredibly exciting project for the city, celebrating Nottingham’s amazing cultural history through one of the most creative forms of art. The ambition is this becomes much more than just a stunning collection of murals, with the potential to create a project that establishes Nottingham as a leading creative city and delivers real impact for the city centre, it’s businesses and most importantly the people of Nottingham.

‘We would like to thank all the organisations and individuals that have helped get the project off the ground. As the project grows, the aim is to work with the Nottingham community to identify spaces in the city as well as rebels and pioneers to be the focus of murals. We will also continue to provide opportunities for Nottingham artists to create the work.’

Cllr David Mellen, City Council leader, added: ‘We’re really pleased to support this project which will provide a platform for talented local artists, brighten up key areas and buildings in the city and celebrate Nottingham’s pioneering spirit. We look forward to seeing the first one unveiled on the wall of our Fletcher Gate car park.’

In related news, plans are underway to diversify the Huyton Village town centre offering, attracting investment and generating new jobs.

Photo supplied by Nottingham City Council