Concrete Canvas: Reimagined

What’s it about?

This project is taking street art out of the city centre and into neighbourhoods across Chelmsford. Local communities will work together with local, regional and international artists to design and create lasting murals that tell local stories. Together with a Colouring Book and Competition, the project will get people talking about how art can make our city more exciting and unique, and create a long-term plan to fill Chelmsford with more public art that everyone can enjoy and be part of.

“As an artist that has previously taken part in this immersive street art festival, I am very excited to be involved in bringing this event to life. It really helps to connect community to creativity and showcase local artistic talent whilst embellishing our city.”

Rebecca Carter Local Creative & ex-SPARK! Member

“Chelmsford For You is proud to collaborate with Spark! Together, we're creating a vibrant, inclusive city that celebrates arts, culture, and community. This partnership strengthens our shared commitment to enriching lives, boosting local engagement, and making Chelmsford a thriving, inspiring place for everyone to enjoy for years to come.“

Sara Tupper CEO Chelmsford For You

  • Helping local artists and young people to learn new skills and ways to turn their talents into jobs

  • Making our city welcoming, exciting, and full of culture for everyone

  • Creating public art that is better for the planet

  • Making sure people from all backgrounds are seen and included in art in public spaces

  • Helping people feel happier, safer, and more connected to their community

What does success look like?

Watch our reel…

Image credits: Culture Chelmsford, Candy Joyce, Apparan

Our journey so far…

Jan - Mar: Concrete Canvas: Reimagined Street Party co-design & planning phase with communities

Feb - Apr: Community workshops commence to co-design 3 Concrete Canvas murals across Chelmsford

Apr - May: 3 Concrete Canvas murals across Chelmsford completed with communities

May: Concrete Canvas City Street Party & 3 Community Mural Celebrations

Our next steps…

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the project, please contact us at hello@culturechelmsford.org.uk

Collecting Our Future is produced by Culture Chelmsford and SPARK!, in collaboration with and funded by Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford City Council, Chelmsford College, Chelmsford For You and Arts Council England.

Watch Chelmsford For You’s joint LOOKUP Portsmouth Research Visit reel…

Image credits: LOOKUP Portsmouth, Chelmsford For You

Watch Chelmsford For You’s Colouring Competition reel…

Image credits: Colouring Competition Participant, Chelmsford For You

See the STABILO Influencer post by Super Girl Sketches…

Image credit: STABILO Instagram Influencer @supergirlsketches

Cllr Donna Eley spray painting at Saltcoats Park, South Woodham Ferrers. Image credit: Candy Joyce

“I popped along today to view the painting of the new mural which is part of the Concrete Canvas Art Project in South Woodham Ferrers. It was great to learn and practice how to create street art before painting part of the mural with Youth Worker and Street Artist, Scotty from Brave Arts. This mural will then become a legacy of the Concrete Canvas Art Project in South Woodham Ferrers, led by Spark!, The Young Cultural Change Makers of Chelmsford.”

Cllr Donna Eley South Woodham - Elmwood and Woodville