Frome Town Council has approved a new community art programme at its 5 August council meeting, designed to tackle tagging in the town centre. Following the example of street art programmes in other towns and cities including Bristol and Wrexham, the project will see artwork installed on some of the surfaces often been targeted for tagging and will extend Frome’s network of murals, like the ones at the Westway Centre and Vallis Road.
Town Clerk Peter Wheelhouse said: “Councillors recognised that we need to look at positive, long-term solutions, as well as continuing Ranger Mike’s important work to clean up the town centre when unwanted tagging occurs. This project aims to improve the appearance of some of the most frequently targeted locations, and also to channel young artists’ creativity into something the whole community can enjoy. There’s good evidence to show that this approach reduces repeated tagging, which makes the town centre unsightly and which we know is a matter of concern for many residents.”
The programme has two elements. The first is a project to commission local artists to transform around eight utility boxes that are regularly targeted for tagging into colourful pieces of public art, with an anticipated cost of £8,000.
The second, more ambitious proposal will create a community street art programme. Following due diligence, the plan is to work with local street artist Tom and the School of Graff alongside other local artists and young people to deliver the project. The aim is to identify suitable locations for around 12 large-scale artworks, subject to the necessary permissions and conservation requirements, creating a trail of murals through the town centre. As well as brightening public spaces, the programme is intended to develop artistic skills and confidence while providing positive creative opportunities for young people.
Councillors welcomed the proposals, describing them as an inspiring and positive response to a longstanding issue, while building civic pride, supporting emerging artists and creating new reasons for residents and visitors to explore the town centre. The proposals were approved unanimously.
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