Street art wall brings colour and imagination to the city centre

Creatives are bringing colour and imagination to the outside of the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery with a new street art wall.

The wall has been created by local artists We Are Culla in collaboration with social impact developers Capital&Centric and visitors are being encouraged to come along and take pictures in front of the vibrant installation.

The design features large curving geometric shapes and blocks of colour with some abstract references to Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage.

Flowing knots of colour, reminiscent of the Staffordshire knot, and circles representing plates and potters wheels feature prominently in the design to hint at the city’s unique history.

The large scale mural aims to challenge people’s perceptions of street art by working with talented local artists to create bespoke pieces for visitors and residents to enjoy.

The group have produced numerous murals and installations across the city over the past five years.

In 2013, the group worked alongside a number of local authorities to gain an official legal graffiti space for respectful participants who live and breathe the culture.

This is somewhere where individuals can practice and learn the art in a safe, secluded environment, set away from housing estates and businesses.

Councillor Lorraine Beardmore, cabinet member for culture, leisure and public health at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said:

“Following the opening of the fantastic new spitfire gallery in September, we really wanted the outside public space to be an extension of the indoors by creating artwork that has nods to the city’s past and its heritage.

“The wall adds another dimension to this amazing space and where art meets history and we were delighted to work alongside Capital & Centric and local artists We Are Culla to bring this project forward.

“The new gallery has become the area’s top free to visit attraction, and this outside public space really does add to that brilliant offer.

“I can’t wait to see people enjoying the space and taking selfies with their favourite parts of the wall.”

Capital&Centric are working with the council to deliver the Goods Yard, a new urban destination next to the Stoke-on-Trent station.

They recently submitted a planning application to the council for a mixed-use community featuring new homes, works spaces, shops, bars, cafes and a new public square at the Swift House site – including restoration of the stunning vaulted warehouse.

Tim Heatley, co-founder at Capital&Centric, said:

“In every town and city we work, the effort to make a difference always starts way before we start construction.

“We’re chuffed to be able to get behind local artists and support something colourful and creative with a special nod to the area’s past here in Stoke-on-Trent.

“The Goods Yard will be a buzzing neighbourhood, with new outdoor spaces for events, pop-ups and artists.

“Since we launched our plans the welcome we’ve had from Stoke-on-Trent has been awesome.

“It’s brilliant to be able to get involved in supporting projects like the street art outside the gallery, something we’ll be continuing in the months and years to come.”