‘Vibrant, artistic designs’ will be coming to the streets of Newcastle-under-Lyme thanks to a new public art initiative.
The Artbox project, funded by the Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, will see 10 artists using every day BT boxes and electric cabinets as canvasses.
Artbox is being delivered in collaboration with Graphic Artist & Muralist, Rob Fenton, with contributions from talented artists from the local area and further afield.
The initial phase of Artbox in Newcastle-under-Lyme will see the installation of stunning artwork throughout the town with plans to expand into the wider Borough in the future.
Rob Fenton, Project Lead and one of the artists for ArtBox, said: “The Artbox project immediately connects with other public art in any area but allows a much quicker approach to delivery than a large-scale gable-end mural, for example.
“Once a series of street furniture has been created, it can assist in transforming an area completely.
“Through years of research, we have found that it is clearly evident from similar projects conducted by other mural programmes from around the world, that there are incredible social gains for any community from public artwork. After years of managing mural projects, we continue to use the knowledge we’ve gained by not only changing our physical landscapes but also assisting in changing the narrative across communities.
“We do this by producing new works of art, injecting local pride that in turn will raise aspirations through quality in the form of vibrant murals”
Charl Pearce, BID Manager for Newcastle-under-Lyme, added: “We really are delighted to launch Artbox project in collaboration with Rob Fenton.
“There are so many benefits to a project like this. When we decorate our streets it fosters a sense of pride in our communities, which in turn discourages anti-social behaviour like littering and graffiti in the immediate area. The work delivered by the artists so far are stunning and we’ve had such great feedback from the community.”
Businesses and sponsors interested in participating in the Artbox project are encouraged to contact the Newcastle-under-Lyme BID team for more information on how to get involved.
You can follow Artbox on Instagram @artbox_murals as well as keep up to date on Newcastle based news over @newcastlebid
