Murals are helping regenerate Swansea High Street

6th March 2012

A property on Swansea's High Street has been spruced-up to help regenerate the look of the area.

A local artist commissioned by Locws International has painted a mural on the former Tennessee Chicken building opposite the Kings Arms Tavern as part of a project called Art Across The High Street.

The mural scheme is being part-funded by Swansea Council and the Coastal Housing Group. The latest mural has been designed by Swansea artist Sean Puleston and is inspired by Swansea's rich history in the production of stained glass. It's bold and colourful and includes a message that reads We Are Here.

The mural follows-on from other artwork recently completed on High Street. A giant mural with a Coming Soon message now covers up an area of wasteland opposite the Housing Options office and a large-scale mural showing three dancing ladies has been painted outside a property next to the Blacks outdoor clothing store.

The mural with the three ladies is aimed at capturing the essence of the street as it once was by referencing the many dance halls, pubs and clubs that used to thrive there.

Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: "High Street is an important gateway in and out of our city centre and this is why we're working with Locws International and the Coastal Housing Group to improve its look.

"These artworks are making High Street a more pleasant and colourful place to visit.

"The murals complement other schemes in the area that are helping with its regeneration. Work on Coastal Housing's hugely exciting Urban Village scheme is ongoing, the railway station is being revamped and the outside of businesses like the Grand Hotel, the Monkey Café and Pizza Express have been upgraded."

David Hastie, Locws International Director, said: "All the feedback we've had so far about the murals has been overwhelmingly positive. Art tends to play a big part in the regeneration of cities and you only have to look at Liverpool and Hoxton in East London as examples of places where art has kick-started cultural vibrancy.

"We hope to paint more murals on High Street and in other parts of the city centre in future and are confident they will help attract investment and other positive activities."

Have a look at http://www.locwsinternational.com for more information.

Also See -

Terpischorean Trio gallery

Locws International Art Across the City Platform

Sean Puleston profile

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