Role Models / Criminals !!!!! ?
Graffiti artists often vary widely in style and notoriety, but some of the most well-known figures in the graffiti world include:
Banksy: Known for his provocative and often politically charged pieces, Banksy is one of the most famous street artists globally. His works often appear overnight and are characterized by their stencilled style
Jean-Michel Basquiat: Starting as a graffiti artist in New York City, Basquiat’s work evolved into a unique blend of street art and neo-expressionism.
Shepard Fairey: Creator of the iconic “Hope” poster for Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, Fairey’s work often features bold graphics and social commentary.
Keith Haring: Known for his vibrant characters and bold lines, Haring’s work often conveyed messages of love, unity, and activism
Lady K: A prominent figure in the Paris graffiti scene, Lady K has been active since the 90s and is known for her clean, legible style and iconic cartoon characters.
These artists have significantly influenced urban culture and continue to inspire new generations of graffiti writers. Do you have a favourite graffiti artist or a piece of street art that stands out to you?
The Tax Payer
The cost of graffiti removal can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the size of the graffiti, the type of surface, and the cleaning method used. On average, in the UK, the cost for graffiti removal ranges from £42 to £135 per square meter. If persistent graffiti is an issue, applying an anti-graffiti coating can cost between £99 and £180 per square meter.
The cost of graffiti removal for organizations like Network Rail can be substantial. Network Rail, which manages the railway infrastructure in the UK, spends millions annually on graffiti removal. For instance, in 2020, Network Rail reported spending around £3.5 million on cleaning graffiti from its properties.
This expenditure covers various methods of graffiti removal, including chemical cleaning, steam cleaning, and sandblasting, as well as the application of anti-graffiti coatings to prevent future incidents. Not to mention the Health and Safety elements too. For example, three graffiti artists were tragically killed by a train near Loughborough Junction in south London in 2018. These incidents highlight the risks that some graffiti artists face while creating their work.
In the Royal Borough of Greenwich one of London's Flagship Boroughs , graffiti artists typically source their spray cans from various local and online retailers. Some common places include:
Art Supply Stores: Local art supply stores often carry a range of spray paints and other materials used by graffiti artists. Stores like B&Q in nearby locations are popular choices.
The exact number of spray cans shoplifted in the Royal Borough of Greenwich is not readily available. However, shoplifting of spray cans is a common issue in many urban areas, often due to their use in graffiti. Retailers typically implement various security measures, such as surveillance cameras and security tags, to mitigate this problem. Nonetheless its costly in time and money.
Again, While specific data on the number of spray paint cans shoplifted in London isn’t readily available, shoplifting in general is a significant issue. In 2023/24, there were nearly 444,000 shoplifting offences recorded in England and Wales. The City of London had one of the highest rates of shoplifting, with 7,907 incidents per 100,000 residents.
Retailers often face challenges with theft of items like spray paint, which are commonly used in graffiti. To combat this, many stores implement security measures such as surveillance cameras and security tags. Never mind the mess and destruction of our local areas, the Heritage and History sometimes lost forever. Our house prices are dropping in areas due to this sort of behaviour.
More cost in time and money for the Taxpayer
Main Objective:
To transform graffiti tag artists into photographers who view their environment in a cleaner and more desirable way, developing their skills and highlighting their work in an exhibition. The top participants will win new camera equipment.
Target Audience:
Graffiti tag artists who are trying to express themselves but no idea how , interested in exploring photography. See themselves as artist’s though. Or anyone who would like to meet new people:
Young people who have underperformed at school due to mental health issues or bullying.
Individuals leaving the Armed Forces with few formal qualifications.
Graffiti tag artists interested in exploring photography.
Goals:
Skill Development: Teach participants the basics of photography, including composition, lighting, and editing.
Environmental Awareness: Encourage participants to see and capture the beauty in their surroundings.
Exhibition: Organize an exhibition to showcase participants’ work. Thus developing teamwork , health and safety, consideration of others and the environments etc.
Awards: Provide top participants with new camera equipment to further their photography journey. Such as perhaps University or A or T levels and re engaging with society and education . And avoiding a life of crime.
Course Structure:
Introduction to Photography:
Basics of camera operation
Understanding composition and lighting
Introduction to photo editing
Environmental Focus:
Workshops on capturing the environment
Field trips to practice photography in different settings
Mentorship:
One-on-one sessions with professional photographers learning to mentor each other and give and receive criticism without anger either side
Feedback and critique sessions
Exhibition Preparation: Wher
Selecting and preparing photos for the exhibition
Marketing and promotion of the exhibition thus learning about the right place the right time, environments, money and budgeting, travel, and timetabling,
Timeline:
Month 1: Recruitment and orientation
Month 2-3: Photography workshops and field trips
Month 4: Mentorship and exhibition preparation
Month 5: Exhibition and awards ceremony
Budget: See attached Cost Sheets.
Equipment: Cameras, lenses, and editing software
Workshops: Venue, materials, and professional fees
Exhibition: Venue, marketing, and promotional materials
Awards: New camera equipment for top participants
Evaluation:
Participant Feedback: Surveys and interviews
Skill Assessment: Before and after photography portfolios
Exhibition Success: Attendance and media coverage
Sustainability:
Partnerships: Collaborate with local art galleries and photography clubs
Funding: Seek sponsorships and grants the aim is to self-fund when established;
Community Engagement: Continue offering workshops and exhibitions