London-based artist Woskerski is currently brightening up Cleethorpes with a colourful mural visible from the promenade and by visitors arriving to the resort by coach or train. The rooftop-high piece of art is being created on the side of the Old Vic pub, at the junction of Grant Street and the High Street, and is certain to be spotted by visiting paddleboarders bobbing along on the waves in the spring and summer months.
Woskerski will use a variety of styles and mediums for the mural, which has been chosen to complement the area, and will be completely relevant to Cleethorpes and what it has to offer both residents and visitors.
The project is part of ‘Paint Cleethorpes Proud’, an offshoot of ‘Paint the Town Proud’, commissioned by the Grimsby Creates programme. PTTP has allowed colourful art to spring up around North East Lincolnshire and includes the more recent ‘Dudley the Donkey’, on St Peter’s Avenue, Harriet the Haddock, in Town Hall Street, and The Great Wall of Grimsby, in Garibaldi Street.
Sam, a director of Creative Start, said: “We considered about ten artists in total, and looked at how their work would fit the resort. Having narrowed it down with the community at Creative Start, we then approached North East Lincolnshire Council with our shortlist and ultimately decided as a collaborative, alongside Gary Roberts, operations director at Amber Taverns (Old Vic), who was supportive of the project.
“Not only are we impressed by Woskerski’s art, but we are also impressed by his very professional attitude. He has been very easy to work with, has some fantastic ideas, and has a lovely personality to go with it!
“There is a lot of preparation that goes into this sort of project but most importantly, we try to get the balance of artists right. We are keen to bring a good mix of national, local, and community art, as often these outside influences inspire. The next murals scheduled will include two local artists and a community mural, which will include the work of armed forces veterans.
“By using artists from here and beyond, we can welcome a whole range of talent and creativity into North East Lincolnshire.”
Woskerski added: “I first began doing murals in 1997, as I liked the graffiti style, and I am really excited to be doing this piece of work.
“I have only just arrived in Cleethorpes but it seems like a lovely place. I will be here for a little while, so I will be getting to know the area while I am here, and I hope that people enjoy the mural when it is completed.”
