Date published: 2024-09-02 | Category: Bath, Bath Quays , Children's Services, Delivering for local residents
hoarding with bright and colourful works of art.
The graffiti project was set up under the guidance of Youth Connect South West, an independent non-profit charity dedicated to supporting young people across Bath and North East Somerset and beyond. Graffiti artist Lee Kirby, known as 3rdEye, helped with the concept and design.
The 12ft-long graffiti wall, along the roadside hoarding next to Avon Street car park, on Bath Quays, was painted black in preparation and the final design was developed during a two-hour workshop with Lee, before being sprayed during a four-hour session last week.
Dave Joyce, Senior Youth Support Worker City Centre at Youth Connect South West, said: “Several of the young people mentioned that they wanted to do something like this and I’d like to thank the council for being so supportive. A piece of art can help young people’s voices be heard and it was a fantastic opportunity to create a positive piece of art that people can relate to.”
The new artwork states ‘Safer Streets’ as the young people agreed that they wanted a city centre and community that feels safe, especially from knife crime and violence, on the streets of Bath. The young people also wanted the work to represent their generation and they suggested having the headphones, boombox and lots of colour.
Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said, “I’d like to say thank you to everyone who took part in the event and contributed their work and of course the organisers who have done a fantastic job. This graffiti wall shows how much creative skill there is in our community. I’d encourage residents to take a look next time they are in the city centre.”
Youth Connect South West offers youth work, personalised 1-1 assistance and valuable career advice and guidance. The charity has several locations including Bath City Centre Youth Space, Radstock Youth Club and Southside Youth Centre. You can find out more about their work on their website.
The charity's street youth work with Project 28 (DHI) is funded by the government initiative Safer Streets and aims to help young people who are facing a variety of challenges.
Lee, who was originally from Radstock, has been painting in the art world since the late 1980s. He has previously collaborated with Bristol street artists and illustrators to develop his projects and skills and worked with youth clubs in Bath, Radstock and Peasedown helping young people to decorate the spaces. You can see more of his work on his website.
ENDS