Shining a light

THANKS to grants from Safer Exeter’s Community Sparks scheme, InExeter the Business improvement District for Exeter city centre has planned a range of initiatives on South Street. The project has been called ‘South Street Shine’ as the plans collectively will shine a light on South Street, celebrating this area of the city and facilitating it to flourish this year.

South Street Shine includes an interactive art installation situated outside Skipton Building Society.

Local artist Scott Walker, whose interactive cartoons draw inspiration from contemporary character design and street art, recently visited South Street, hand drawing his creative characters with the community invited to take part in colouring in the design.

Events Manager Marina O’Shea who has organised the interactive art for South Street Shine, said: “It is wonderful to be activating South Street with this art installation where the whole community can get involved, help celebrate their area and have ownership of the Street.”

Other initiatives that are part of South Street Shine have been

Keen artists help colour in Scott Walker’s artwork (above ) while Mattie Richardson prepares to hand out planters (right) organised by Projects Manager Mattie Richardson.

“It is fantastic to be able to activate a new area of the city with planting for 2023,” said Mattie. “These colourful floral displays enhance the streetscape and soften the urban environment.”

Each planter has been adopted by businesses on South Street, whose manager Catherine Lovich, said: “We are looking forward to being part of South Street Shine and being a custodian for our own planters. It is fantastic to all be working together to make South Street burst to life with colour this spring”.