Kemet, which is sponsored by the Neighbourhood Development Company (NDC), found that their wall was constantly being covered by graffiti. So they called in City Arts to help find a solution. Through its Apt project, City Arts has been working with a group of young people for a number of years. The young people – all aged between 13 and 18 - had been part of a drumming project and had also performed in the recent opening of the Market Square.
Graffiti artist Nathan Bainbridge from smallkid design was contracted to work with six young people to design and then paint two graffiti walls in Radford – one at the back of the Kemet building and one on an adjoining NDC wall - the result is two eye-catching, dramatic works of art!
Alma Cunliffe, City Arts Project Leader for Young People, said:
“The young people have had a great time in this project, they have been able to link in what they have experienced previously in the rhythm project and created a great piece of work that enhances the area. The artist, Nathan, has been great in facilitating workshops with young people inspiring and teaching the skills necessary to create great pieces of work for the community.”
Jeff Buck, Programme Support Manager at NDC, told us:
“This project not only involved young people in a very constructive use of their time and skills but has also brightened up and improved the rear of the NDC and Kemet premises. It shows what can be achieved by people working together to improve their community. We will look at using graffiti, in a controlled way, to brighten up some of the shop fronts while they are being refurbished. Nathan recently made an impact with his work on 69 Alfreton Road, a shop currently not in use.”
