Artists and craft lovers sought to take part in #loveto programme of events

Designed as part of the Voluntary Arts Ireland art series #Loveto, the mural is the highlight of #LovetoDRAW month (October). The mural marks another milestone for Londonderry, the UK’s first City of Culture, as it now joins other major cities across the world in having a legal wall for street artists to use.

The graffiti wall is adjacent to the Verbal Arts Centre, the key place for the written and spoken word in Northern Ireland and an award winning artistic hub, and was painted by Urban Vizualz, a team of top street and graffiti-inspired artists who are experienced in large scale wall art. They will be managing the wall and their ‘The City of Bones’ mural will be on display for a month.

The hellish mural was formally launched by the Mayor, Brenda Stevenson, who said she was delighted to support such a vibrant campaign promoting creativity and innovation, adding: “The #LoveTo campaign offers the chance for people to express their creative talents in new and dynamic forms.”

Those with an idea for a piece of artwork are welcome to email Urban Vizualz at [email protected]. It is hoped that the theme and art on the wall will change every few months with contributions from local and international street artists.

Donal O’Doherty from Urban Vizualz said: “This is an exciting thing for graffiti and street artists in Derry and Northern Ireland, a large scale legal wall in the city centre! This gives artists a chance to showcase their work.”

He said it was also an opportunity for artists to show a different side to the strong history of mural painting that already existed.

“We would like to thank Voluntary Arts Ireland and the Verbal Arts Centre for their support with making this happen.”

James Kerr, Director of the Verbal Arts Centre said: “Graffiti is an excellent way to add colour and vibrancy to our public spaces. The vision and creative talent of the artists will breathe life into this old stone wall and transform it into a dynamic and innovative focal point of art in the city centre. Verbal is delighted to support this venture I want to thank Donal and his colleagues for providing us with such a lively view from our windows.”

Kevin Murphy, Chief Officer of Voluntary Arts Ireland, said: “Everybody loves to draw. Whether it’s on a sketchpad, on post-it notes, on the beach or a canvas, I doubt there’s a single one of us that doesn’t have a doodle every now and then. Drawing is an important means of expression and has all kinds of positive effects on us, mentally and otherwise. We want to get more people drawing and the best way to do that is by showcasing those who love to do it! I think opening Derry~Londonderry’s first legal graffiti wall during #LovetoDRAW month is an excellent opportunity to highlight the power of street art and I’m sure the city will look all the better for having it.”