The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Two artists who have had their designs around Spalding rapturously received have launched a petition for a permanent wall for graffiti be created in the town.
Karl Barfoot and Adam Sadd say such a wall, where it would be legal to create artwork without asking for permission, would be an attraction for the town highlighting a similar one in Peterborough.
They’re also volunteering to maintain it and ensure the art remains tasteful but still open to any artists who want to utilise the space.
The pair have identified two spaces in particular which they believe will be perfect – one a large wall near the railway line off Kings Road and the other on the side of Monks House Playing Field changing rooms.
They’re unsure who owns the former, opposite Sainsbury’s petrol station, and haven’t received any response from South Holland District Council over the latter, so have set up the petition on the council’s website Legal Street Art Wall.
The petition states: “Many from around the area have commented on social media that after seeing some local work and talent, it would be a nice attraction for the town to have a legal street art wall, somewhere people can go paint.
“Peterborough has one and it’s been a huge attraction for the city, people coming from all over the country to visit the artwork… having something like this in Spalding will attract many big named street artists to come paint here and also be an attraction for the town to the public which will also be bringing more business/customers to the rest of the town whilst they visit.
“Schools could use it to do art projects and the local community could do workshops teaching the younger generation about the street art culture, to respect the artwork and teach them how to do it.”
Karl said: “The idea came when we were at the legal wall in Peterborough which we have to travel 45 minutes to and there were people there coming from as far as Essex and London.
“It would be nice to see something different like that in Spalding and a place where artists can work and others can learn from them and enjoy the art.”
The pair already have nearly 90 signatures after their friend Kay Arnold publicised it on social media.
Adam added: “We’ve had a brilliant response to our requested works around the town including the recent ones at the station.
“The pictures have received thousands of likes and shares and if everyone who did like and share it signed the petition we’d be well on the way.
“A legal area for street art would be an attraction for the town and attract artists from around the country.”
The petition is here.
