Elim Teams up with Local Artists to Create New Stokes Croft Mural

In partnership with the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft, Elim has commissioned a brand-new street art mural in Stokes Croft.

The mural spans Ron Jones House, a property for men who are either experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.

The design was brought to life by Bristol-based artists Harriet (Hazard), Samantha (Zam Zam) and Benoit (Object), whose work can be seen across the city including at Bedminster’s Upfest. They used a combination of spray painting and brush designs, making their mark with three distinct styles across the walls.

More than just an attractive addition to the building, the artwork was consciously created to combat tagging – graffiti signatures – which made the area feel run-down.

Elim residents were involved in choosing the design, providing their ideas in a meeting with staff earlier this year. The finished floral design was also inspired by the Stokes Croft china made in the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft building just opposite the new mural site.

Paul Smith, Elim CEO, said: “Ron Jones House is at the heart of Elim’s heritage and service. The tagging was making it look really depressing. It was great to work with our neighbours at PRSC and residents to develop a design and give this building a real lift.”

Chris Chalkley, Founder of the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft, said: "The idea was to create art for the Elim residents that was positive and that they could feel proud of. It was also important that the integrity of the buildings was respected. And it remains vitally important to respect the culture of the area, which is why one of the original tags that refers to Buzz, a well-loved graffiti artist who lost his life in a fall from a roof a few years ago, is incorporated into the new painting.

"Stokes Croft is effectively an area where people find their voice on the walls, and we need to find room for everybody. We are really pleased to have been given the opportunity to explore these ideas, and appreciate the trust that Elim have put in us. Funds permitting, there is so much more to come, and we look forward to developing a creative relationship that will be beneficial for the whole community."

Elim residents and passers-by enjoyed watching the artists hard at work last week. Reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with many people finding it an uplifting addition to the neighbourhood.

Find out more about the People's Republic of Stokes Croft here, and visit the mural on Jamaica Street in Stokes Croft.