The Leadenhall Building, better known to City folk as The Cheesegrater, has commissioned two world renowned street artists, DRT and Carl Cashman, to paint the iconic ‘trumpet’ vents at the front of the building in a display of support for the arts, a sector which has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 crisis.
The commission is part of the London Mural Festival which will see more than 150 global artists paint 40 large scale walls and a plethora of smaller activations across London. The festival promises to offer accessible art at a time when restrictions make visiting galleries difficult and will enliven the city’s streets.
The Leadenhall Building is the only building in the City to take part in the festival, demonstrating its commitment to supporting artists during this unprecedented time, and the building plans to keep the trumpets painted long after the festival ends.
Angelo Christou, Property Director, The Leadenhall Building, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer The Leadenhall Building’s public space for yet another exemplar project which both enriches and enhances the local area and supports artists during this challenging time. The art is a very welcome addition to the cityscape and will help to enliven an area that has been quiet since the start of lockdown.”
Lee Bofkin, CEO and co-founder of Global Street Art, the organisation behind the London Mural Festival, said “While COVID and social-distancing are creating unique challenges for galleries, the city offers an excellent canvas for muralists from around the world.
NOW READ: London’s top creative classes to join online
“The Leadenhall Building is a landmark in the London skyline and we’re thrilled that so many people will see the art as they pass through the City. We’re grateful to The Leadenhall Building for offering their iconic ‘trumpet’ vents to us to paint.”
The London Mural Festival sets out to use London as a vast canvas celebrating creative communities across the world, while introducing a new way for people to experience one of the world’s biggest art movements.
As well as painting some big walls across London, there will be a 100-artist hoarding jam taking place at International Quarter London (IQL), Stratford, in partnership with the developers LCR and Lendlease. The hoarding jam which will stretch over 500m in length and will close the festival on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October.
Other artists partaking in the festival include Camille Walala, Dale Grimshaw, Marija Tiurina, Gary Stranger, Mr. Cenz, Bonzai, Suiko and Zabou.
For the latest headlines from the City of London and beyond, follow City Matters on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
