Giant New Mural In Newquay Complete

Friday, 20 September 2024 17:10

The first of three murals in Newquay town centre has been completed ahead of a new festival this Autumn.

The artwork, located on the wall of MIX NQY on East Street, was created by Cornwall-based artist Kleiner Shames and captures an abstract beach scene. It is part of the MUQY Street Art Walking Trail, one of the many highlights of the Be Newquay Festival. Taking place in November, the festival is described as a celebration of Newquay’s creative spirit.

The street art project, led by Jack Tierney from Slapdash Studio and local business owner Dirk Parker, is funded by Experience Newquay, a Cornwall Council project. The aim is to use art to highlight Newquay’s unique heritage and identity while also improving the town’s high street. Dirk Parker explained, “This is a project that Jack Tierney and I organised, successfully applying for grant funding from Experience Newquay. It will brighten up the town centre and create a free walking tour hosted on Love Newquay’s website.”

Two more murals are set to be installed in the coming weeks, with the next one featuring the work of 20-year-old Elle Koziupa. Her ‘photo-realism’ style will bring a fisherman to life on a wall on Fore Street, using photographs from Newquay Museum and Archive for inspiration. The mural will remain hidden under scaffolding until its official unveiling.

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for economy and local councillor for Newquay Central and Pentire, praised the initiative: “Experience Newquay has brought this to life. What started as a seed of an idea in Dirk’s mind during lockdown has become a reality. This project is the perfect example of using creativity to transform the high street.”

A third mural, painted by 45 RPM, will be completed in November to coincide with the Be Newquay Festival. During the festival, all three murals will be connected as part of a free Street Art Walking Trail, and street art workshops will be available for those looking to get involved. The festival, taking place on weekends throughout November, will feature events like Alma Winter Arts Weekend and Groundswell’s Cream of Cornish Weekend, showcasing the town’s creative spirit.

The Be Newquay Festival is commissioned by Cornwall Council’s Experience Newquay and supported by Newquay BID. It is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

PRESS PLAY and listen again to our report with Jack Tierney from Slapdash Studio...