Acomb Front Street murals bring vibrant colours to the streets

The artwork was announced on Saturday (March 22) by the art group for the protest project, with the mayor of York and members of the York City Council being joined.

Eight new benches covered in artwork are also installed on Front Street.

It comes as part of the second phase of the work to the street that began in October.

New mural on Front Street, Acom (Image: Dylan Connell) The work also includes removing 90 of the 131 bollards that were installed in January 2023 and caused backlash from locals.

The work is funded by £570,000 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) cash, which aims to use it all before the government pulls it back after March.

Cllr Katie Lomas, a councillor and councillor for the Acom ward, said the mural transformed “a bad-minded brick wall” and “makes the streets more welcoming and more vibrant.”

“The reaction from the residents was really positive,” she said. “People are stopping looking at murals.

“I think it's a real sign for the residents that we care about this place.

“For too long, Front Street has been ignored and forgotten.”

Representatives of York City Council and the protest arts group in front of Acom's new mural on Saturday (March 22nd) (Image: Dylan Connell) She said it was “really exciting” to be part of a project that “simplifies the bollard forest a little and brings home pride.”

Cllr Lomas felt the results were worthy of temporary confusion on the streets while the work was taking place.

“Everyone spends more time on the street,” she said.

“There's a lot more. We need to find funding to do that.”

The art of protest saw competition from around the world to win committees from the council to design and paint murals.

The council received 11 bids to undertake the £38,000 project.

Art of Pripest's Community Engagement initiative has hosted 17 community sessions in collaboration with local hubs and four schools.

The York-based company is also participating in the Street Art Academy, where residents can learn new skills.

New murals at the Art Creative Director of the Protest Project, Jeff Clark, Acom, Front Street (Image: Dylan Connell) Creative Director Jeff Clark said more than 300 people participated in design consultations.

He said the mural, composed of bright, colorful shapes with tree branches and leaves, was inspired by the forest area of ​​Acom.

Clark said the project was “larger than any of us could have imagined.”

The community gathers to see a new mural on Acomb's Front Street (Image: Dylan Connell) “This is just the beginning of something that allows us to be as positive as we want to move forward,” he said. “This piece was done with the vision of those around us.”

York mayor Margaret Wells said she was “overwhelmed by the murals and seats.”

“They (the art of protest) have really listened to what the community wanted, and that's very important,” she said. “We all need to learn to listen to our community and get them on board.

“It's the community that knows what they need and how they can make things better.”

“Front Street is a community gathering place.”

Residents are also welcoming the murals.

“I love it, it's really nice. It's better to lighten up the place,” said Vivienne Clark, 68, who lived at Acom for a lifetime. “I saw them do it and I think it's nice.”

Acomb Residents Vivien and Jonathan Clark New Murals on Front Street (Image: Dylan Connell) New signs have also been installed on Front Street near the mural, welcoming people to the streets.

Its heart-shaped acorn design – nods to mean the old English “acam” on oak trees where Acom's name appears to have come – was designed by Luke Walker, chairman of the Greater Acom Community Forum.

“We wanted to create a unified symbol for the Acom community,” said the 26-year-old graphic designer who has been living at Acom since he was three years old. “I want to say, “This is our symbol, we can be proud of it.” ”

Luke Walker, chair of the Greater Acom Community Forum, designs that welcome people to the front street with his designs (Image: Dylan Connell) He added: “Front Street is a place where the community gathers. It's all about the community at Acom… People take care of each other.”

Walker hopes the murals will inspire generations of young people.

“This is something we need,” he said.