Spray It Forward: Art for Preston Spray It Forward will offer engaging spray painting workshops for local community groups, teaching participants the fundamentals of using a spray can. These workshops will cover techniques such as fading, outlining, and layering, helping individuals express their creativity while learning new skills. The project will provide a safe and welcoming environment in our purpose built workshop for people of all ages and abilities to explore urban art. Alongside the workshops, we will create a new permanent mural on Limehouse with artist Philth Blake and we will invite three local artists to create temporary murals on the Vault youth zone hoardings. These murals will showcase the artistic talent within Preston. By combining hands-on workshops with professional murals, Spray It Forward aims to foster a sense of pride and connection among local residents, while also enhancing the city’s aesthetic and cultural landscape.

What we'll deliver:

• Host workshops for the community
• Create three new temporary artworks on The Vault hoards with local artists
• Philth Blake will create a new permanent mural on Limehouse

Why it's a great idea:

Benefits to Our Community Spray It Forward will directly benefit local residents, especially young people, families, and community groups, by teaching valuable artistic skills and fostering self-expression. Participants will gain confidence, creativity, and new skills, while the entire community will benefit from the public murals that will change the spaces we inhabit. Preston needs this project to revitalize its public spaces, making them more engaging and inspiring. Urban art has the power to transform neglected areas into focal points of pride. Shawn Sharpe’s recent murals in the city have already demonstrated how art can breathe new life into public spaces, drawing attention to local talent and creating a sense of connection among residents. This project builds on that momentum, further enhancing Preston’s reputation as a city of creativity and culture, offering a platform for local artists and providing a lasting cultural legacy for the community.

Steps to get it done:

• Open evening and select community groups for workshops
• Host workshops
• Select local artists and create ideas
• Install three temporary murals
• Install Limehouse Mural

The workshops will be held from Mural Makers - Graffiti and Street Art Academy, just off Church Street. We have an indoor studio space and an exterior yard for spray painting.