Several artists from around Plymouth have helped to transform Stonehouse into a vibrant canvas.

As part of the Safer Streets Programme, local artists have been able to turn plain utility boxes into amazing works of art, as well as paint beautiful murals on buildings around the area. The transformational project is due to be completed at the end of March, but already Stonehouse is looking wonderfully vibrant and colourful.

The project is being overseen by Cliik, a charitable community benefit society based in North Stonehouse. Cliik works with local police and the council to deliver the Safer Streets Programme, which initially involved whitewashing and repainting areas where there is a lot of graffiti and fly-tipping. However, after being awarded some funds, Cliik chose to tackle the repainting in a different way, creating murals and colourful utility boxes.

The beautiful artwork follows the City Council’s announcement of an ambitious plan to put culture at the heart of Plymouth’s economic development. Plymouth Culture – the organisation that supports the city’s cultural sector – has united businesses, stakeholders, artists, creatives and performers to develop the plan, which sets out how culture can give Plymouth the support it needs to prosper.

Speaking about the artwork, Luke Pollard said:

“Plymouth is an incredible creative city. £70 million is generated by art and culture for our city each year and these sectors will play an even bigger role as we emerge from the pandemic.

 

“Over this latest lockdown, art has been popping up across our city. Whether it is the superb Plymouth Artists Together initiative along Union Street that I contributed a piece of my own art for, or the brilliant Cliick initiative in North Stonehouse, new street art is lifting spirits and cleaning up our city.

 

“I want to say a big thank you to the creative talent behind these amazing pieces of art. It really does put a smile on your face. Thank you and well done!”