Enhancing local spaces through street art

New street art is a fantastic way to add vibrancy to an area, showcase local artistic talent and reflect the local community.  New pieces of art can be a real talking point locally (and beyond) and give a real sense of place – contributing to community enjoyment of spaces.  It can also discourage graffiti and other anti-social behaviour, particularly where community engagement is part of the design process.

There are many inspiring examples of street art being developed as part of ERF projects, by some well-established and up and coming local artists.  Installing design on shutter fronts was a popular and successful way of adding colour to local high streets, and murals gave the opportunity to add statement pieces to draw footfall and add interest to an area.  Adding art to utility boxes was also a small scale way of creating a sense that the local area was not only looked after and cared for, but worth visiting and exploring.

Street art has a unique ability to breathe life into an area, celebrating local talent while reflecting the character and spirit of the community. Vibrant and engaging, it sparks conversations and creates a strong sense of place, enriching the way residents and visitors experience shared spaces. By incorporating community input into the design process, street art can also deter graffiti and other anti-social behaviour, fostering a greater sense of ownership and pride.

The ERF program has been a catalyst for inspiring examples of street art, showcasing both well-established and emerging local artists. One popular approach has been transforming shutter fronts with eye-catching designs, which bring bursts of color to high streets even when shops are closed. Bold murals have also served as statement pieces, drawing attention and footfall while enhancing the visual appeal of neighborhoods.

On a smaller scale, the decoration of utility boxes has made a significant impact. These often-overlooked fixtures have been transformed into canvases for creative expression, signaling that the local area is not only well-cared-for but also worth visiting and exploring.

Whether through large-scale murals or smaller, thoughtful touches, street art has proven to be a powerful tool in revitalizing public spaces and strengthening community connections.

Below are just a few examples:

Walkley Arts Trail 

The Walkley team transformed Walkley with a vibrant collection of artwork that brought new energy to the area. Featuring 25 decorated utility boxes and 15 shop shutters, this creative initiative culminated in the creation of the Walkley Arts Trail. The trail is bookended by two striking murals in Upperthorpe and Walkley, both created by the acclaimed street artist Peachzz.

Peachzz’s mural holds deep local significance. Inspired by the area’s wildlife and Sheffield’s high retention rate of students, the design features a blackbird nesting—a poignant symbol of students making Sheffield their home and contributing to the community’s growth.

The project was a collaborative effort between professional and amateur artists who worked together to install the artworks. This partnership fostered an exchange of ideas and skills, enriching the creative process and resulting in a cohesive yet diverse collection of designs.
To unify the trail, a swallow motif was incorporated into each piece, creating a playful element for visitors to enjoy. Those exploring the trail could "tick off" each swallow they found, adding an interactive and engaging layer to the experience.

The Walkley Arts Trail not only brightened the streets but also strengthened community ties, showcasing the power of art to inspire and connect. It stands as a testament to the creativity and collaborative spirit of Walkley, inviting both residents and visitors to explore and enjoy its unique charm.

Manor Park

The Manor Park team were determined to create engaging, vibrant pieces of art that spoke to the character and history of the local area.  To create the four separate designs (plus artworks on doorways on the high street itself) a series of consultations were held for each piece, from all sections of the community.   A mural in Northern Avenue was inspired directly by lyrics written by young people as part of a project to discourage anti-social behaviour in the retail area, to help increase a sense of belonging and ownership in that cohort. 

Lowedges

One of ERF’s smaller projects, the project in Lowedges had a real visual impact.  The team transformed the previously drab and grey space with bright colours and a completely unique design. 

Firth Park 

In the first round of funding, the Firth Park team embarked on an ambitious journey to transform their local area through high-impact artworks. This began with a stunning nature-inspired mural by the renowned local artist Peachzz, on the park pavilion, and continued with vibrant shutter art on the library. These initial installations brought a fresh, creative energy to the community.

Building on this success, the team expanded their efforts in the second round of funding. They extended the project to include shopfront shutters, enhancing the visual appeal of the area even when businesses were closed. The initiative was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, prompting the team to increase the number of decorated shutters to meet the growing demand from local businesses.