North Shields artwork makes waves in global contest
Tyneside town’s giant mural chases international award. Tony Henderson reports
One of the large-scale artworks created as part of a town’s 800th anniversary celebrations is in the running for an international award.
Nina Valkhoff's mural, The Chase, in Norfolk Street in North Shields is currently in top position in the votes for the International Street Art Cities ‘Best of July’ Award.
It is competing against 150 murals from Australia to Argentina.
Nina is a muralist from Rotterdam who has been painting for 23 years. Her murals highlight flora and fauna, often featuring local species.
The mural she has created in North Shields depicts an underwater chase between two gannets and a cormorant, capturing drama beneath the waves, where the River Tyne meets the North Sea.
Public voting closes on Sunday, August 10 at streetartcities.com
In addition to The Chase, three other North Shields murals have been completed.
They are Oceanus by KMG on Tanners' Bank, leading to the Fish Quay; North Shields No.4 by Anthony Downie in Trevor Terrace near The Gunner pub; and The Siren by Prefab77 in Albion Road.
Another two murals are due for completion this weekend, with more in the pipeline.
The North Shields Mural Festival is being led by Elevation, a local arts charity founded by residents and powered by volunteers. It will run until December 18 across various and increasing locations.
Nina said: “I think North Shields is so charming. It has a nice atmosphere, really relaxed, and what I really want to highlight is how nice the people are. That will stick with me forever.
“To win this award would be a huge honour for me, but also for the organisers of Elevation Walls, and for the people of North Shields.”
Matt Wilson, chairman of the Elevation charity, said: “Nina’s giant-sized artwork has really got people talking, from the tots of the YMCA nursery who came down to take a look, to older residents who have seen many changes in the town over the years.
“Reactions have been universally positive. People have told us they find the image of the diving birds chasing the fish beautiful, uplifting and brilliant, and that it makes them feel proud. It’s a real stunner.”
Elevation’s mission is to breathe new life into blank walls and create a renewed sense of pride and place in North Shields.
It is funded by the North East Combined Authority via North Shields 800, Karbon Homes, Adderstone Living and RW Mann Trust, with additional donations from art sales and local residents who have contributed.
The finished artworks will become part of a new North Shields Mural Trail, which locals and visitors can enjoy into the future, transforming the town into what Elevation calls “a vibrant, open-air art gallery.”