22 banners illustrating iconic images of Ryde, produced by Monkton Village artists, are now being showcased on the lamp posts along North Walk.
Visitors and locals promenading the Esplanade will be able to enjoy a variation of artwork in a range of styles.
The project was conceived by Councillor Jenna Dawn Sabine as a way of promoting local trade and industry while simultaneously giving artists a platform to showcase their work.
Jenna said:
“Monkton Arts formed the Monkton Village Artists group – open to all artists who live in the area – just before the pandemic, so this is our first real project together. Artists range from well-established professionals to emerging young artists who are aspiring to get noticed.
“I wanted this project to be an example of true seed funding which once started off with a small amount of funds will grow on its own to support other projects with mutual benefits all round.”
Ryde Town Council provided the funding for the lamp post brackets and local small businesses were offered the chance for advertising on the banners to cover the cost of printing. This was a cost-effective way for promoting local independent businesses alongside local independent artists, for 6 months, and in such a publicly prominent arena.
Jenna added:
“It is good to think that the banners project can be used in future to showcase all kinds of aspects of the town and will create a sense of intrigue around the town. Next year’s banner artwork will be created by the gifted and talented art students of Ryde Academy as part of the Creative Biosphere project to celebrate the key features of the Biosphere within Ryde. They can also just about be seen from Portsmouth & Southsea (with binoculars!)”
Jenna has also made an additional website which can be accessed by the printed QR code on each banner – although the QR code is around 20ft off the ground. This website offers information on the artist, the location, and the sponsor and will be updated year on year.
