Community arts project to tackle town centre graffiti

A new community arts programme is being launched by Frome Town Council to tackle graffiti in the town centre.

At the full council meeting on 5th August, councillors unanimously supported a project that will see artwork installed on some of the surfaces often targeted for tagging and will extend Frome’s network of murals, including those at the Westway Shopping Centre and Vallis Road.

The programme has two elements. The first is a project to commission local artists to transform around eight utility boxes that are regularly targeted for tagging into colourful pieces of public art, with an anticipated cost of £8,000.

The second proposal will see the creation of a community street art programme costing £20,000, where local street artist Tom Sturgess and the School of Graff will work with other local artists and young people to deliver the project.

Following the example of street art programmes in other towns and cities, including Bristol and Wrexham, artwork will be installed on some of the surfaces often targeted for tagging, extending Frome’s network of murals.

As well as brightening public spaces, the programme is intended to develop artistic skills and confidence, while providing positive creative opportunities for young people.

Town Clerk Peter Wheelhouse said, “Councillors recognised that we need to look at positive, long-term solutions, as well as continuing Ranger Mike’s important work to clean up the town centre when unwanted tagging occurs. This project aims to improve the appearance of some of the most frequently targeted locations, and also to channel young artists’ creativity into something the whole community can enjoy. There’s good evidence to show that this approach reduces repeated tagging, which makes the town centre unsightly and which we know is a matter of concern for many residents.”