Local Putney artists who wish to make their mark with some street art may be interested in a competition to paint two plain green boxes on the High Street and Upper Richmond Road.
Both boxes – currently a dull green and containing telecoms equipment – are in prominent places in the heart of Putney but will turned into Instagrammable art by business improvement district Positively Putney, which is following in the shoes of other successful street art installations in Shrewsbury and Kettering.
“We would like to beautify and brighten our public spaces,” the organisation’s recent notice read. “This is a great opportunity to bring art that uplifts and inspires people across the Putney community. The theme is ‘Putney’.”
Anyone over 16 and who preferably lives or works in Putney is asked to apply complete with artist statement, a portfolio of past work and their box design. There’s also some materials restrictions: weatherproof paint and nothing directly applied like stickers or vinyl.
Unfortunately there is no commission fee but the winning applicant will get a £100 materials budget and will be featured on Positively Putney’s website and social media feed given them digital exposure.
They’ll also be noticed by locals walking past, which, given the state of the High Street, will be a blessing for all concerned.
If you are interested, email marketing@positivelyputney.co.uk. The deadline is just three weeks away: 15 May. A decision on the winner will be in June and work on their design will begin immediately.
Earlier this month, Southside Shopping Center in Wandsworth offered a similar opportunity to turn a huge brick wall at one of its entrances into a “community curated masterpiece”, complete with £17,000 budget.
