AN ARTISTIC Shepherd’s Bush resident is launching a project to transform shop shutters in Askew Road.
Mark Clack hopes to spruce up the metal shutters and turn the busy stretch into a unique London landmark full of colour and creativity.
The 31-year-old, who works in the City and is also an amateur photographer, will try to persuade shop landlords to give permission for street art to be painted on their shutters.
Renowned artist Ben Eine, who has completed similar projects in Shoreditch and Brick Lane along with Paris and Stockholm, is interested in joining the project alongside Oxjam, the Oxfam offshoot behind the successful music festival.
Mr Clack, of Davis Road, said: “I have seen Askew Road change a lot in the past few years and have really taken an interest in street art at the same time.
“I have spent time in Miami where its industrial district has lots of street art so I thought we could transfer that here but with our own spin on it. I really think it would make Askew Road more unique, increase trade and generally brighten up the area. I have done a few reconnaissance missions and I think there are between 20 to 30 shutters that could be decorated.”
Mr Clack has received support from the Askew Business Network and Acton resident Todd Green, whose own similar Shop Shutter Art scheme in Uxbridge Road has been put on hold due to time constraints.
He is reassuring people that the street art project is far removed from urban graffiti.
“We have had a lot of support in a short space of time,” he said.
“But I imagine there will be some residents and shop owners who would be put off by the idea because they link it to graffiti. The truth is that the two things could not be more different.
“Street art is a piece of work that can be based on a theme or local angle compared to graffiti which is a just a tag or profanity.
“I hope a lot of people get behind the scheme and come forward with their own ideas on the art and what can go on the shutters and we can really increase the profile of this great part of London.”
Mr Clack has started a petition to gauge public opinion and gather support. Visit www.change.org/petitions/bring-art-tourism-to-w12-improving-askew-road # and for more information visit www.artonaskew.org .
