Work by local artists is popping up in Newport city centre thanks to a new creative project.
Happy Hoardings is led by Tin Shed Theatre Co and supported by Newport City Council with funding from UK Government.
Six shop fronts in Commercial Street will be displaying work by Newport creatives Lucy Llewellyn, a freelance graphic designer, and illustrator George Goom.
Meanwhile, artist Anna Amalia Coviello will be transforming four plain utility boxes into items of beauty.
Councillor James Clarke, cabinet member for regeneration and business growth, said:
“We are already seeing the delivery of projects identified in the placemaking plan and this is one of the ideas that emerged from the extensive consultation with residents, businesses and other interested parties.
“We have so much amazing talent in our city, and this is a fantastic way to showcase some of their work where everyone can see. I would like to thank Tin Shed Co and the artists for making their incredible work on the project. It’s a great example of how we can make a difference by working together.”
George Harris, creative director of Tin Shed Theatre Co and The Place, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have been invited by Newport City Council to lead this project.
“Building on the success of our City Box trail on Commercial Street, we now have the exciting opportunity to transform new spaces, particularly shop fronts, into canvases for our city's artistic talent. Each artist has approached the challenge of reimagining these blank spaces in a unique way.
“Anna explored historical artifacts, George Goom drew inspiration from the daily rhythm of city life, and Lucy focused on the diverse languages spoken within the city. The collective work of these artists beautifully showcases the vibrancy of Newport, its people, and its unique character, while simultaneously revitalising previously overlooked or negative spaces throughout our city.
“Projects such as this help to reimagine how we see our city spaces and we are excited to continue working with the council on the bold, imaginative and ambitious proposals for Newport's future. Together with the people of the city we want to realise the placemaking plan’s mission to make Newport fall in love with itself all over again.”
Councillor Clarke added:
“I hope they will give people a new perspective, so they look beyond the empty shops, to see what we do have instead of what we don’t.
“There is so much on offer here including incredible creative groups, such as Tin Shed; community hubs like The Place and exciting and popular music, leisure and hospitality venues.
“And we still have more than 400 businesses of which three out of four are independents. All support employment and are important to our local economy.
“City and town centres have to change, and Newport is already rising to meet the challenge. The new place making plan sets out ambitious proposals. Some, like this project, are already being achieved. Others will take longer but the council and its partners are committed to the long-term vision of a transformed city centre.”
