The latest creative addition to Cleethorpes’ new North Prom walking art gallery will be unveiled on shutters in the coming days.
Local group Creative Start was commissioned to produce two pieces of work to display on the shutters of the adjoining businesses – Walkers Total Fitness and Reemas Beauty By The Beach.
With preparatory work complete, the first of these will be installed at the Walkers building, 193 North Prom, within the next week. And, with that venue opening early mornings and after 5pm, it will be in full view during the main parts of the day. Reemas will be installed once necessary work to the shutters is complete, with other commissions set to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
As reported, the creation of the walking gallery along the North Prom is part of the creative regeneration project underway in that area of the resort.
With financial support from the Coastal Communities Fund, North East Lincolnshire Council and CoastNEL, which represents the private, cultural and third sectors, the scheme is being managed by the council’s regeneration partner ENGIE. The gallery is the first part of the plan, which also includes the installation of the 22m ‘White Palm’ and new lighting and street furniture.
The first gallery shutter was installed at Brown’s Café late last year, designed by internationally known artist Jacqui Poncelet. Keen to involve local artists, project consultants Hazel Colquhoun and Andrew Knight have been supported by Hodson’s Architects to work on a regional level.
Sam Delaney, Creative Start Director, was delighted that his group’s members were able to get involved and thanked local artist and supporter Kevin Atkins for his input into the creation of the design.
“When we are approached to work on such a project, we always get together as a group and agree on a concept. On this occasion we knew we had a fitness centre and a beauty business, so settled on the outstretched arms that are seen on the Sistine Chapel Ceiling as part of the Creation of Adam, with each of them themed. It was then over to Kevin to help us out and he did a great job. Our members then sorted the final bits of the jigsaw to complete the project,” explained Sam.
Working with people recovering from addiction, Sam said he was ever-amazed by the variety of group members Creative Start attracted – of all ages and from all backgrounds: “People come in who think art and painting is not for them, when in fact it is for anyone and that is the great thing about it,” he added.
Walkers Total Fitness owner Paul Walker can’t wait to see the artwork displayed on his shutters and those of the adjoining premises, which is run by his stepdaughter Reema Stedford.
“This is a fantastic place to have a business, you have the sunrises, the sunsets and the sound of the sea. People living around here just don’t realise what they have here, and I really support this scheme as a way of tempting more visitors down here to have a look. Let’s hope it’s a success and more business owners come on board,” said Paul.
Cllr John Fenty, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Creative Start do some fantastic artwork, and it’s good that we have local artists working on local projects. I’m looking forward to seeing this one in place – I think it’s a really powerful statement piece. I understand more shutters are to receive artwork in the coming weeks, so our vision of a gallery of artwork is finally coming to fruition and will provide something for tourists and locals to come see over the Easter and May bank holidays and beyond.”
Article from NELC.
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