Six Leeds College of Art students have been putting their creative skills to work to transform a number of Virgin Communication boxes in a project to brighten up the streets of Leeds, whilst also preventing unsightly graffiti.
The painted Virgin Communications boxes are scattered throughout the Headingly area and were painted by the following students Emily Edwards, George Addy, Jazz Harbord, Becky Silviera, Naomi Smith and Kobey Taylor.
We caught up with a couple of them to find out more about the project…
Emily Edwards, BA (Hons) Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design student, said:
“I painted a very bright, abstract-jungle inspired print, which I thought would really help brighten up a boring, green graffiti-covered box."
"This project was very valuable to me; it got me thinking about where I could apply my work in the 'real world'. I'd say it's very rewarding knowing that lots of people will walk past my design every day. I would love to do more mural/street art things like this, and am trying to find out where else I can apply my work in Leeds!”
Naomi Smith, BA (Hons) Illustration, student said:
“It took four days in total as the rain meant I had to keep stopping and starting…
It’s been so good to do some work outside of the studio, try something new and speak to new people who are taking an interest in art. I have been so surprised at the positive response this has received, so many people wanted to stop and talk about the project while I was painting and some people even brought me cups of tea which was so kind (it was really cold!), even the response online since finishing has been really positive. I think it’s really important for creativity to be used to make a difference and it’s clear that the project as a whole has brightened up the area and made people smile.”
