The Old Quarter, as all in Guernsey well know, has been in direct need of an uplift for an age, with a generation or two of islanders unable to remember it’s bustling highs.
It’s got some brilliant businesses, but footfall has fallen off with several prominent buildings on the street left to go derelict and abandoned, or at least requiring some much needed love.
However, even with this being common knowledge amongst the public, and the States of Guernsey, it’s a nut yet to be cracked, even with some previous initiatives aimed to help breath life back into the area.
That’s where Street Art comes in.
Before you think this is some journalistic expose on how to fix the problems on Mill Street, you’d be wrong. Same as thinking it’s just a soap box moment. Similarly, wrong. You’d be close both times though, as it lands somewhere between the two.
In the past Express has published my opinion pieces seeking a greater acceptance of street art, and articles I’ve written on the expert voices that also show how much of a positive impact it can have.
We then saw, the now re-elected, Deputy Adrian Gabriel bring up the topic in the last States Meeting of 2024.
Deputy Gabriel stated that “the buildings that the States owns are effectively blank canvases, and those could be used for street art or any other type of art”.
Having travelled to places like Leake Street in London, Bristol, Amsterdam and Barcelona, places where the medium is truly appreciated and almost a part of day to day life, gracing galleries, homes, and shops fronts, I’ve seen how the art form can lift and vitalise.
Studies have shown it can contribute to urban renewal, provide a platform for artists, attract tourists, and contribute to an overall sense of community.
The evidence for all of that is currently happening on Mill Street.
I’ve made it no secret I’m also a bit of an artist myself, and I’m not against the occasional shameless plug.
I was one of 16 local artists, together with 14 visiting artists, who applied through Art for Guernsey’s open call, to help bring some colour to the desolate derelicts, and get in and amongst the feathered inhabitants.
I painted on my lunch break, and then again for a few hours after work, and in that time numerous compliments flowed from members of the public and visitors alike.
From visitors, an appreciation for the art was shown, and questions posed on what we were doing and why, (and snaps taken for holiday pics) – All very lovely, and a good showing for the island.
What really hit me was the amount of times we heard the phrase “it’s about time something was done to liven/brighten/spruce up the place”.
People stopped to take pictures, have a very pleasent and friendly chat, and before the day was done on Tuesday afternoon, two days before the Diversion Exhibit opens, it had hit social media, reaching a group specifically designed for ‘Good News in Guernsey’.
This is what art is for.
Especially on a scale which brings opportunities for local artists, internationally rated names to our island, and extra sights for tourists destined for their directed route to the Old Quarter.
It helps rejuvenate areas…sure it may be making a crumbling structure, or dilapidated architectural relic, just that much prettier, but it also brings a smile, and honestly, that’s all that’s needed sometimes.
Fully embrace it
The near future is bright for Street Art.
Art for Guernsey isn’t just stopping at rejuvenating the area for a brief time, it’s continuing through summer, and will feature more local artists, more visiting artists, and educational opportunities for the island’s youth, (story coming soon).
A private exhibit is being held this evening at the organisation’s gallery (it opens to the public on Friday), but the street is open to footfall anytime, and I’d advise you to take a look. It’s truly worthwhile.
However, for Guernsey to truly embrace Street Art, we need a place that’s open for islanders, young and old, to learn. We need to put the steps in place to foster local talent, and in the process we could seriously benefit our offering in art and tourism.
Our island is rife with talented creatives and artists of all types, a permanent place to paint would be a win for Guernsey’s residents, and visitors.
Leake Street is a tourist location that benefits artists. Having painted there myself, my first foray into public painting, I was stopped multiple times by tourists in just a few hours, the exact same as what I experienced on Mill Street this week.
The London Tunnel turned art hotspot once was a place with a bit of a reputation, before it was brought back to life and dubbed the Banksy tunnel. Now it’s a destination for artists, tourists, and is a positive influence on the area, with bustling businesses. (You can read more, HERE).
Maybe there’s some sites in Guernsey that spring to mind, which could suit a splash of colour? One’s that are destined to sit vacant, derelict and dilapidated.
Oh and here’s that shameless plug I mentioned earlier: