Teenagers from Barley Mow Youth and Community Center created a mural to brighten up their club, in Birtley, Gateshead (UK), after they were awarded a grant as part of the Urban Alchemy project, organized by the Sage, in Gateshead.
Unfortunately, they have been asked to REMOVE this piece, because local authorities think it's more of an advertisement, rather than artwork. An advertisement would require a special zoning permit - which they did not apply for. What a beautiful way for this town to ruin any creative inspiration these kids found. The artwork - featured below - is
clearly a "Welcome" sign. There's not a hint of any advertising in this.
Even so - the tone of politics hasn't changed. These teenagers are scrambling to get enough signatures on their petition to keep this welcome sign on their wall. At least the members of this youth center are learning a lesson on how to fight "the man". Seems as though they're going to need to know how, living in a community that can't even appreciate a children's mural.
Bad Monkey Designs
Graffiti Inspired Urban Wear and More
www.bmdez.com
