A new public art programme will see a total of 9 mural commissions awarded across Sandown, Lake and Shanklin as part of a community-led regeneration initiative.
Building the Bay, the group spearheading local regeneration efforts, has launched the Bay Visions: Outdoor Mural Commissions – a creative project designed to bring large-scale, colourful artworks to public spaces across the Bay Area.
3 murals will be created in each of the towns – Sandown/Yaverland, Lake and Shanklin – with a focus on reflecting the Bay’s past, present and future.
The initiative encourages submissions from local, new and emerging artists, particularly those with bold ideas rooted in inclusion, diversity and environmental awareness.
Paul Wilson, Arts and Culture representative for Building the Bay, has said:
“This is about giving new and unheard voices the chance to transform the look and feel of our towns.
“We want murals that speak to who we are as a community, celebrate our unique heritage, and imagine the future we want to build together.”
The selected mural designs will become permanent features in the community, aiming to inspire pride, connection and conversation while showcasing the creativity of people living in the Bay Area.
Applicants may submit more than one design concept, and each successful commission will receive £1,000 in grant funding.
The mural scheme is part of the wider Bay Area Place Plan, launched in January 2024, which is supported by Sandown, Lake and Shanklin Councils. The programme forms part of ongoing efforts to unite the 3 towns through shared investment in culture, community and regeneration.
Applications are now open, with a deadline of 1st December 2025. Artists interested in applying should email [email protected].
Same old buzzword word salad to justify something we’ve been fine without all these years.
Just a way to put their virtual signalling on a load of walls!
No thank-you very much. Remember what the owners of the Nightingale Hotel did to a previously-smart building in a conservation area? We don’t need ugly, low-quality daubs, inspired by woke nonsense, dragging the Bay area down even further.
Let’s see how long it will take to be covered in graffiti and need to be covered up.
Cue the usual naysayer nonsense