West Street Mural Brings Splash of Colour to Old Market

West Street Mural Brings Splash of Colour to Old Market

Trinity Community Arts' newest project gets a dramatic makeover courtesy of Bristol graffiti artists, Silent Hobo and Mr Riks

Excitement is building around Trinity Community Arts' latest project in the Old Market area. The new centre at 6 West Street, due to launch early November, will be a hub for community and arts activities with low-cost office space, a café with free wi-fi and exhibition space.

As part of the building's redevelopment, Bristol graffiti artists Silent Hobo and Mr Riks have just completed a dynamic makeover, painting a mural which depicts the cityscape of Old Market spotted with emerging butterflies - and a friendly looking pigeon! Covering the entire face of the building, the Bristol artists' work means 6 West Street should attract plenty of positive attention.

Silent Hobo is a traditional graffiti artist whose work featured in the 2009 Crimes of Passion Exhibition at the RWA. His characters can be seen around Bristol on walls, in community centres, pubs, libraries, train stations and at festivals. His work has been exhibited across the city and beyond.

Mr Riks is part of the Elusive Collective a group of professional graffiti artists who design graphics, murals and deliver workshops in the art form.

This year both artists took part in creating the BrisFest mural and also worked on the recent See No Evil en mass graffiti-art pop-up-gallery along the length of Nelson Street, Bristol. Both artists have also led courses for young people at the Trinity Centre in how to become a professional artist.

"We hope that our new mural will bring a new creative energy to Old Market and encourage people to take a different look at the area", says centre manager, Emma Harvey.

Our work at 6 West Street is part of a wider development plan for the Old Market area. The Old Market Community Association have been working with the Princes Foundation to lead interactive public workshop sessions exploring the key issues for local people and the vision for the future of Old Market. The sessions will culminate in a final report outlining the phased development plans to reinvigorate the high street and improve services. For more information email oldmarket.future@gmail.com or visit www.oldmarket.org.uk.