The second phase of a project aimed to bring colour into the community took place in Taunton this summer. A group of talented young people worked with local artists, to brighten up drab walls and dark alley ways with highly colourful and lively works of art.

The aerosol art project, which aims to deter offensive graffiti, was a collaboration between Knightstone and Sanctuary Housing Associations, together with Somerset County Council Youth Services with the support of Stephen Brooks, local councillor for East Taunton. Initially, 12 youngsters worked with Adam Yoell, a well-known street artist, and came up with a colourful landscape called ‘in search of forever’.

The first phase of the project was completed by Easter. Jackie Charity, community development officer for Sanctuary, said: “After the first wall had been painted, we had quite a few local aerosol artists come forward and volunteer their services for the second phase.”

The youngsters working on the second phase were keen to put a strong message across about climate change and how the world will be affected if we don’t take action now. “They wanted to stress the consequences of climate change,” explained Jackie, “hence the reason for the grim reaper. He does look quite scary on his own, but when it’s taken in context with the message being given, it really does make you think.”

The wall also has more light-hearted images of cartoon characters and a great piece of colourful artwork of the names ‘Leycroft’ and ‘Lambrook’ to reflect the local area. “This was a very exciting project,” said Jackie. “Everyone who took part should be really proud of what has been achieved – a wonderful piece of urban art which will hopefully be around for many years to come.”