Major graffiti campaign to target teenagers

Release Date:  08-Feb-2008

‘Graffiti versus art’ is a subject long and hotly debated in Bristol, due partly to its links with Banksy and other home-grown graffiti artists. Now, Bristol City Council is aiming to stoke the fires of the debate again with a new DVD to hit all secondary schools and an internet campaign.

‘Street Level’ is an educational film made by the council’s street scene team to target 11-18 year olds. Taking part in it are pupils from Fairfield Secondary School in Horfield, a local graffiti investigator from the British Transport Police, and three convicted offenders for graffiti and tagging whose illegal activities amounted to over £1 million worth of criminal damage in Bristol.

The DVD aims to stimulate discussion about graffiti, increase respect for their local environment and educate young people about the effect getting caught can have on their lives.  It will also show them how participating in legal street art is a much better alternative to this illegal activity.  The videos can be viewed on the council's you-tube site: www.youtube.com/bristolcitycouncil

To encourage young people to get involved in the debate, a Facebook group has been set up where anyone can log on and post their views and comments. The online group is called “Bristol graff DVD” and it will be checked regularly by the council’s street scene team. 

Bristol City Councillor Judith Price, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Unfortunately young people can be particularly susceptible to becoming involved in illegal graffiti and tagging. It is often tempting for them to want to become part of a tagging ‘crew’ and the graffiti style of art is so popular now that it can be considered mainstream.

“This campaign aims to help them see the flip side - not only does graffiti create a negative impact on an area which can actually lead to an increase in crime, but it is a criminal offence for which anyone over the age of 11 can be tried in court.”

Nick Lewis, assisitant head teacher for Fairfield School, said: “This has been a great project for our children to get involved in and rather than kill their passion for street art, it’s shown them a legal, constructive way to go about it which actually adds to their environment. They are very proud of the mural wall which we have in Allfoxton Lane and it’s a really good way for them to show their creativity and express themselves away from the classroom.”

Anyone who would like a copy of the DVD should contact 0117 922 3838 or email graffiti.education@bristol.gov.uk

Chapter 1: Graffiti and Tagging - Views and opinions - So what is graffiti?

Chapter 2: Getting Caught - Graffiti and the Law

Chapter 3: Tagging on my property - so why does it bother people?

Chapter 4: Art Projects - How to develop your art

Author:  

Catherine Frankpitt  tel  0117 922 3463

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