Glasgow Experiments with Legal Graffiti Walls to Enhance Urban Spaces
Graffiti Walls to Boost Urban Vibe
In an attempt to breathe life into urban spaces, Glasgow City Council has taken a unique approach. They plan to trial legal graffiti walls at two of their properties in the city centre. The selected locations for this experiment are the Custom House Quay and the Concert Square car park. The council believes this initiative will provide an expressive platform for street artists.
Exploring Further Possibilities
Over time, it’s hoped that this creative initiative will encourage residents, businesses, and organisations to consider creating legal graffiti walls in other areas of the city. This could serve as a novel way of elevating urban spaces, much like the current interior design trends observed in modern London offices.
Inspired by Past Success
This move is inspired by the success of the Glasgow city centre mural trail. The council hopes that a managed approach to street art will help revitalise urban spaces, making them visually appealing to both residents and visitors alike.
Words from the Council
Councillor Ruairi Kelly, city convener for neighbourhood services and assets at Glasgow City Council, spoke about the project. He emphasized that while the distinction between graffiti art and vandalism is subjective, offensive and bigoted graffiti will not be tolerated. Kelly also mentioned that the council will be closely monitoring the pilot’s impact, including its influence on the number of complaints in relation to graffiti.
The Pilot Programme
As part of the six-month pilot programme, a working group is to be established. This group will consist of representatives from the council, Glasgow Life, and the community art groups, Colourways and SWG3. This working group will develop its own terms of reference, guiding the operation of the pilot programme.
Responsibilities of Lead Organisations
During the pilot, the lead organisation will be tasked with maintaining the designated space and deciding on the art displayed. These organisations will also be responsible for reporting any graffiti outside the designated area.
Street Art: A New Urban Aesthetic
If the pilot proves successful, it could lead to street artists making significant contributions to communities throughout the city, potentially transforming urban spaces into vibrant, living canvases that reflect the dynamic spirit of Glasgow.