A BUSINESS boss is calling on people to respect the art after murals created in Newquay to help boost the town were vandalised.

Newquay BID manager Mark Warren has made the appeal following two artworks in the Newquay Doorway tour being tagged.

Diane Griffiths Island After Dark painting of a night scene inspired by Newquay’s coastline at the EE shop in Bank Street, which was the winner of the art competition, is among those that have been graffitied.

Diane Griffiths Island After Dark painting of a night scene inspired by Newquay’s coastline at the EE shop in Bank Street was targeted
Diane Griffiths Island After Dark painting at the EE shop in Bank Street was targeted

Mr Warren said: “Over the last few years, we've been incredibly proud to work alongside local artists, businesses, organisations and community groups to help make Newquay a more colourful, creative and inspiring place. Together, we've introduced murals, public artwork and legal graffiti spaces, including projects down at Trenance, giving both established and emerging artists opportunities to showcase their talent. It's been fantastic to see so many local businesses investing in artwork on their own buildings and helping to create something really special for our town.

Other door art murals have also been tagged
Other door art murals have also been tagged

“One of the things we've been most proud of is the respect that has grown within our creative community. Artists generally respect each other's work, and that's helped create a positive culture where creativity can thrive. That's why it was really disappointing to discover that at least two pieces of artwork created by local artists on local businesses have been tagged.

“This isn't about stopping creativity. Quite the opposite. We're committed to supporting street art and legal graffiti, and we'll continue working with artists of all ages to create opportunities across Newquay. But respect has to go both ways. “If anyone knows who is responsible for these tags, we'd really appreciate them having a quiet word with them. Please help them understand that painting over another local artist's work isn't acceptable.

“We don't want this to become an issue involving CCTV or enforcement if it can be resolved through our community. These murals have been created to bring colour, character and pride to our town, and they deserve to be respected. We genuinely believe Newquay's artists can help look after the culture they've worked so hard to build.”

Diane has already started to repair the Island After Dark door art.

She said: “Unfortunately, 'The Island After Dark' was tagged so I have carefully started the repair process. It will take another couple of sessions to get it back to its best.

“It’s a real shame that people have put in such effort into the door art and a quick spray of paint can take just a few seconds to tag b restoring artwork takes a little longer.

“I'm not the only one who has been affected. If you're someone who enjoys creating street art, I'd simply ask one thing: please leave our community artworks alone. Every mural represents many hours of planning, painting and care, and they're there for everyone to enjoy and be proud of.

“The good news is that the damage is repairable, and I'll be back to get 'The Island After Dark' looking its best again soon.”