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Teens to get summer graffiti lessons
TEENAGERS are to be taught how to spray graffiti art in controversial council-run classes starting next week.
The lessons, run as part of Islington’s Summer University programme, are billed as “an introduction to the art of graffiti including its history, development, different drawing techniques and use of spray paints.”
One senior councillor said it was better to have the youngsters contained than let them “run around unchecked”.
But it is feared that legions of bored teenagers will take their new-found skills and use Islington as a blank canvas for the rest of their summer holidays.
The week-long course for 13 to 19-year-olds begins on Monday at the Three Corners Adventure Playground, in Northampton Road, Finsbury.
At the end of the week, the young artists will produce a huge mural.
In the past 18 months, council teams have removed 25,000 square metres of graffiti.
A dedicated crew uses a concoction of milk and orange juice concentrate through powerful jet sprays.
The council says it aims to remove signature ‘tags’ and other, larger works within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.
George Durack, chairman of the Islington Pensioners’ Forum, said: “Clearly they are going to practise once they’ve been taught and the best practice is somebody’s bare wall outside their house.
“Some graffiti is very beautiful stuff, but it needs to be exhibited in the right place. I love to see people being artistic but when it’s daubed everywhere it just becomes obnoxious.”
But Anne Noble-Partridge, assistant manager of Candid Arts Trust, in Torrens Street, Angel, said it was important to get young people into an art form they find accessible.
She said: “A graffiti course is a good thing as long as they behave responsibly.
“It’s a good idea to get young people interested in the arts through a medium they can relate to. Often artists are seen as elite.
“We have exhibited art influenced by graffiti.”
Councillor Ursula Woolley, Islington’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “The courses are designed to appeal to teenagers – they have to want to come along. Not all kids are interested in graffiti art, which is why there are 67 other workshops to choose from, but a few are.
“So, rather than letting them run around unchecked, indulging their interest on the streets, we’re providing them with a positive alternative. The course lets them enjoy their artistic side, but also teaches them about using it responsibly.”
Information about Summer University courses can be found
at www.summeruni london.org |
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