Mural plan in bid to deter graffiti on ring road underpass
THE ROUTE AT JUNC 9 IS USED BY PEOPLE IN RADFORD AND COUNDON
AN artist is being sought to design a mural on a key pedestrian route on Coventry’s famous ring road - and banish graffiti. The pedestrian underpass route at junction 9 takes pedestrians from the suburbs of Radford and Coundon into and out of the city centre.
It is also near the Naul’s Mill Linear Park. It is hoped the artwork will deter graffiti in the area.
The artwork is designed to enhance the experience of pedestrians who use this area. Coventry City Council hopes it will make the junction “more welcoming”, and improve the quality of this public space.
It will also further boost the area’s local identity, the council believes. And officials say the mural should contribute to the creation of a sense of place, and a feeling of ownership for local people.
A spokesman said: “This would be a fantastic opportunity for a local artist whose mural work is not currently represented within the city. The project would be an excellent opportunity to gain experience in this field, and the council can provide support to make the artist’s ideas a reality. However, the council will also welcome proposals from more established artists whose work is represented within the city.”
Drawing upon the culture of Coventry, the artist will be asked to create an “arresting site-specific piece of artwork that will improve the experience of this public space”. The council also wants “themes and aesthetics that are specific to this particular area of Coventry” to be incorporated.
The spokesman said: “How artists choose to represent the rich cultural history of the city is open to their interpretation. If the artist would like to focus on the history of the area, Coventry City Council have prepared some historical information that can be sent to the artist if they wish.”
That information can be requested from jade.franklinkennedy@coventry. gov.uk.