IT HAS often been said that “art makes you happy”, and what better place to put something that improves your mood and puts a smile on your face than on a two-storey building in the middle of a seaside resort?
London-based international artist ‘Woskerski’ is currently brightening up Cleethorpes with what will be a colourful and cheerful mural, to be seen from the nearby promenade and by visitors arriving to the resort by coach or train. The rooftop-high piece of art is being created on the side of the Old Vic pub, at the junction of Grant Street and the High Street, and is certain to be spotted by visiting paddleboarders bobbing along on the waves in the spring and summer months.
Woskerski will use a variety of styles and mediums for the mural, which has been chosen to complement the area, and will be completely relevant to Cleethorpes and what it has to offer both residents and visitors.
The project is part of ‘Paint Cleethorpes Proud’, an offshoot of ‘Paint the Town Proud’ (PTTP), which was commissioned by the Grimsby Creates programme. PTTP has allowed colourful art to spring up around North East Lincolnshire and includes the more recent ‘Dudley the Donkey’, on St Peter’s Avenue, Harriet the Haddock, in Town Hall Street, and The Great Wall of Grimsby, in Garibaldi Street.
Sam, who is a director of Creative Start, said: “We considered about ten artists in total, and looked at how their work would fit the resort. Having narrowed it down with the community at Creative Start, we then approached North East Lincolnshire Council with our shortlist and ultimately decided as a collaborative, alongside Gary Roberts, operations director at Amber Taverns (Old Vic), who was supportive of the project.
“Not only are we impressed by Woskerski’s art, but we are also impressed by his very professional attitude. He has been very easy to work with, has some fantastic ideas, and has a lovely personality to go with it!”
“There is a lot of preparation that goes into this sort of project but most importantly, we try to get the balance of artists right. We are keen to bring a good mix of national, local, and community art, as often these outside influences inspire. The next murals scheduled will include two local artists and a community mural, which will include the work of armed forces veterans.
“By using artists from here and beyond, we can welcome a whole range of talent and creativity into North East Lincolnshire.”
Woskerski commented: “I first began doing murals in 1997, as I liked the graffiti style, and I am really excited to be doing this piece of work.
“I have only just arrived in Cleethorpes but it seems like a lovely place. I will be here for a little while, so I will be getting to know the area while I am here, and I hope that people enjoy the mural when it is completed.”
As Woskerski was working on the wall, several passers-by stopped to look and comment in the sunshine. Local resident, Linda Gough, said: “I like it, even in these early stages. I love art anyway and this looks very interesting. It is colourful and brightens the mood.”
Councillor Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and the visitor economy said: “Art like this can make people feel proud of their towns, as the murals are usually personal to the area. This particular mural is in a fantastic position and will be seen by our visitors as they arrive in the resort on trains, or by the many coaches parking at the nearby coach park. It is the first thing that many will see as they arrive, as it will be bold and colourful.
“Murals can also make lasting memories, especially in the minds of children and young people, who may see their cheery messages and remember them for the rest of their lives.”
This Paint the Town Proud mural is funded by the Coastal Community Fund. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coastal-communities. Follow the mural’s progress on www.paintthetownproud.com or follow Creative Start in Art CIC on socials.
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