World-famous artists bringing their work to Stratford’s empty shops
A SERIES of street art installations created by world-famous artists are being installed in Stratford using inspiration from Shakespeare’s sonnets.
The project, which is being led and funded by Stratford District Council, will see unique, portable artworks installed in the windows of empty buildings across the town centre.
Tony Perks, the council’s deputy chief executive, said the work will help draw people into the town.
“Following the Covid pandemic our high streets are in a state of transition meaning that some units are empty,” he said. “As the district council, we are keen to ensure that Stratford remains an attractive place to live work and visit. This project gives the opportunity to create some high quality, Shakespeare-themed, original artwork that will improve the appearance of our streets and draw people into our town to support the local businesses.
“The installations are designed to be portable so, as the shops come back to life, the artwork can be moved to other locations in around the Stratford district.
“The artwork will be exciting, challenging and vibrant and will offer the chance for people to experience something different within the home of Shakespeare.”
The council has partnered with street art collective, Global Street Art.
Its CEO Lee Bofkin said: “We’re thrilled to bring our unique approach to street art to Shakespeare’s hometown and create an immersive experience for visitors and locals alike, particularly at this important milestone in the year.
“The installations by six incredibly talented artists are thought-provoking, engaging and bring a fresh take to the bard’s work. We’re excited to showcase the power of street art in bringing communities together and helping to create a sense of place.”
The artists and the sonnets on which the installations are based are:
Sonnet 65 (Mortality) – Church of Best Ever
Sonnet 18 (Beauty) – Cee Illustrate
Sonnet 119 (Infidelity) – Ed Hicks
Sonnet 63 (Jealousy) – Tom Newell
Sonnet 12 (Time) – Zoe Power
Sonnet 130 (Love) – Peter Barber
The initial venue for the installations will be 21 and 22 Henley Street, properties owned and maintained by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
They are due to be unveiled tomorrow (Friday) ahead of the Shakespeare Birthday celebrations weekend.
Rachael North, director of visitor services and business development at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, added: “Stratford-upon-Avon has an extraordinary legacy of creativity and it’s great to be working with partners Stratford District Council and Global Street Art to find new ways to celebrate our shared heritage in ways which promote the contemporary vibrancy of our town.”
