Mural Makeover

A new mural is being created at Cheadle Skate Park in an initiative by OUTSIDE and Cheadle Arts Festival. The ramp walls in the skate park will be transformed by We are Culla, creators of custom artworks and murals.

Young people who use the skate park have been involved in the project from the outset. They worked with OUTSIDE’s creative communities producer Emma Dawson Varughese to generate the call for artists, selected the chosen artist, and then met them to share their thoughts and ideas on the project.

Tom Edwards, managing director of We Are Culla and the main artist involved in the delivery of the mural, commented: “I’m very excited for the opportunity to begin work on the artwork for Cheadle Skate Park. As a proud Staffordshire Moorlander and strong supporter of skate culture, I can’t wait to meet the young people who use the park, hopefully pass on some new skills and give them an insight into possible creative future careers.”

We are Culla ran a workshop at the skate park on Sunday 24^th September where young people were given the opportunity to develop their skills in spray painting, mark making and design generation. A second workshop is planned in the coming weeks – details to be announced shortly.

The mural will be officially unveiled at a celebratory event at Cheadle Skate Park on Saturday 28^th October during Cheadle Arts Festival.

Sarah Bird, OUTSIDE’s creative director, commented: “We can’t wait to see the mural combining the young people’s ideas and We are Culla’s creative vision. Not only will it revitalise the skate park but it will tell a unique story about the community using the park. We hope the project inspires young people in Cheadle, and the mural is enjoyed by everyone for many years to come.”

(Photo shows one of We are Culla’s murals, Hope & Glory, in Longton)