Nuneaton News City Bishop opens town school’s special new look double decker bus
A BESPOKE learning bus now takes pride of place at a Bedworth school as part of celebrations to mark its 50th birthday.
Cannons C of E Primary School’s new learning resource - a special double decker bus- was officially opened by the Bishop of Coventry, the Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth.
It was brought to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the upper school and, unlike other learning resources of its kind, it features unique kind of livery.
Birmingham-based street artist ‘Title’ spray painted the bus with images of school pupils, the school logo, pencils, a football, paint brushes, a ruler and a globe to represent the diverse and multicultural learning.
He was commissioned by the Nuneaton-based, The Reel People and he will be appearing in the borough again, this time during the Nuneaton Street Art Festival in August.
It will run on August 17, 18 and 19 and will gather a wide range of street artists, from home-grown talent to national artists.
James Bennett, the director of Reel People said: “Title has done a great job of the bus, I’ve seen his work at the Custard Factory in Digbeth and I’ve long wanted to work with him, so it’s great to be finally given the opportunity.
“I can’t wait to see what he produces, when he’s given the free reign to paint what he really wants, rather than working to the dictates of a commission. I am so happy it is finally going to happen, after years of producing murals based on briefs to work from, now artists will be given the opportunity to truly express themselves in their own mediums and styles.
“This is what it is all about for me, not only letting artists be creative, but also providing them with a platform and the materials to work with. The public can also enjoy watching them work.”
To ensure that first Nuneaton Street Art Festival secures the funding it needs - it needs the backing of the community.
“We have many great artists in this country ready to paint; we’re just waiting for the funding and go ahead from the Arts Council,” added James, who is a teacher.
“We’ve already raised some money, but if we don’t secure the Arts Council funding, we’ll be asking local businesses or anyone in community, who would like to see our town transformed in a really colourful and creative way to help us. I hear a lot of people moaning about how bad the town looks, which doesn’t encourage shopping and truly believe that changing the landscape aesthetically, will encourage new people into the town.
“You only have to look at Shoreditch in London, Fargo Village in Coventry, Digbeth in Birmingham and Bristol; they’ve all been completely transformed by the street art, it can also make a massive difference to Nuneaton. We desperately need support from the people of Nuneaton to help our Arts Council funding bid, please go on to Facebook - Reel People – By James and leave a comment about why you would like to see Nuneaton Street Art Festival happen and emphasise what it could do for the town and what positive impact the workshops could have on the young and older generations. Your comments will really help us to evidence and show that there is a demand for it.”
Anyone who would like more information about the festival, to sponsor it or volunteer should either call 07976 591 237 or visit the page on Facebook.