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Ben Robertson, A.K.A. BOKRA, the design mastermind behind the Skipton Open Studios’ Mural Projects has been shortlisted for a Jersey Style Award. Nominated in the Tastemaker of the Year category, the award looks to celebrate the best creatives currently working in Jersey, who are doing their part to showcase the talent on the Island. Graffiti artist BOKRA will be returning to this year’s Skipton Open Studios event which kicks off in late June, as Creative Director of the Mural Project’s third instalment.
The Island’s second Style Awards will take place on 28th June, nominations for which are contributed by the public, giving homage to those that have made the greatest impact on the community and contributed to raising Jersey’s profile. Voting is open until 15th June and can be completed from the Jersey Style Award’s website www.jerseystyleawards.com
BOKRA said: “It was a complete surprise to have been nominated and such an honour to stand beside esteemed artists such as Jason Butler. Since I started painting murals in Jersey I have noticed a change in attitude towards local art, people are much more receptive to different forms of art in the community and I’ve had nothing but positivity towards all the murals I have worked on. I’ve now got people giving me walls I hadn’t even asked for!
“Maybe this Style Award nomination is a reflection of these changing attitudes. We hope to continue to push boundaries through this year’s Open Studios Mural Project and to celebrate unused spaces around the Island.”
While BOKRA will not be designing any murals as part of this year’s Skipton event, he does have plans to undertake a further two projects around Jersey before the end of the year.
“I discovered through last year’s Mural Project, that it was difficult to participate as well as support the other mural artists involved. This time we have increased the number of artists taking part, with ten sites having been allocated around St Helier and my role will be to assist them and make sure they have everything they need. I will also be contributing to the event by exhibiting a show of my recent work at Jason Butler’s studios.”
The Mural Project Part 3 will culminate in two free guided tours by BOKRA around the mural sites in St Helier. Skipton Open Studios is held every two years to grant Islanders and visitors behind-the-scenes access to artists’ personal studios and to bring together the community in a celebration of art.
Skipton International has sponsored the ArtHouse Jersey event for seven consecutive years, regarding it as the highlight of Jersey’s summer events calendar. The Guernsey regulated bank is a proud supporter of events that unite the community and believes participation in the arts is one of the best ways to achieve this.
Aaron Walden, Commercial Manager, Skipton International said: “It really is a joy to be part of this colourful event. The Open Studios brings art to the community and really has something for everyone to enjoy.”
