£35k artwork for ‘latrine’ passage

A new flower parade inspired artwork to brighten up a Spalding passage branded as a ‘latrine’ has been given a £30,000 boost.

Abbey Passage is to be the subject of the work ‘Flos Pompa’ (Latin for flower parade) by Transported Arts.

It’s intended the tile mosaic will be a community effort created and designed by local groups and schools.

A total of £5,000 for the £250,000 budget for the Town Centre Improvement Scheme allocated for Spalding is going towards the project.

And on top of that, South Holland District Council has been given a £30,000 Arts Council England National Lottery grant too.

It follows calls to improve the passageway between Bridge Road and Vine Street which some have called for to be gated at night due to anti-social behaviour.

The first work on the artwork is due to begin next month.

A spokesman for South Holland District Council, said: “Called Flos Pompa (Latin for Flower Parade), the community project will be themed around the returning town event, working with up to 3,500 local artists, residents, Boston College, school children and groups over the course of nine months to create a dramatic, decorative ceramic mural.

“The artwork will explore Spalding’s connection to flowers, especially tulips, and reflect the town’s cultural and economic history.

“The project is part of a larger piece of work to help foster pride and community involvement in the town, and to help brighten the surroundings for those visiting or living in the area.”

Coun Rodney Grocock, portfolio holder for Spalding town improvement, said: “I am delighted to see another significant funding success for Spalding, and the national support we are seeing for our ambitious plans for the town.

“I hope that this stunning new community mural can be a signature piece of artwork for residents and visitors, and can help to brighten and revitalise the passageway, which is a key link between trading areas in the town and connecting the centre to our beautiful riverside.”

Nick Jones, director of Arts Council England-funded Transported Programme hosted by the University of Lincoln, said: “We are really excited at Arts Council England’s decision to fund the community ceramic mural project in Spalding. The area’s connection to horticulture and flowers is an important part of its history which we want to both share and celebrate, at the same time as making the town more attractive and interesting.

“The name Flos Pompa has been chosen as it is Latin for ‘flower parade’, making reference to the town’s historical carnival, but also because Latin is the language of flowers, plants and horticulture.

“We are looking forward to inviting residents and groups to come along and make their contribution, so if there are schools or groups that want to be involved, please do get in touch with us as Transported.”