The four mural design options for The Rough Gemstones project
Luton Business Improvement District (BID) is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting mural project that aims to illuminate the city with its message of “opportunity, unity and creativity”.
The Rough Gemstones project, set to enhance the vibrancy of the town, will invite the public to engage in the selection process of the mural design presenting several colour options for consideration. A physical display will be located in The Mall at Central Square or Melson Square from midday on March 16 to April 15, providing residents and visitors with an opportunity to view and vote for their favourite design.
Created by international artist Silvia Lerín, this visually striking mural, sponsored by Luton’s key stakeholders, promises to transform Silver Street and Library Road in June 2024.
Jacki Flower, Manager of Luton BID, said: “With significant support from Luton Borough Council, the Culture Trust Luton and The Mall, we have been working tirelessly on a new mural project that will transform a prominent space within the town.
“With its vibrant colours and intricate geometric layout, this mural celebrates the multicultural brilliance, symbolising 225,226 individuals as gemstones and is set to illuminate Luton with its message of opportunity, unity and creativity in the heart of the city. Come and find us in The Mall and choose your favourite design by completing our colours survey.”
In addition to the physical display, Luton BID has set up a dedicated website where individuals can cast their votes online. The website, https://roughgemstonesmural.silvialerin.com/poll/, contains detailed information about the project and the mural options. Public voting opened on March 16, with the website serving as an accessible platform for everyone to express their preferences. Results will be published on Friday, 19 April at 11am.
The chosen mural design will come to life as it is painted from May 28th, with completion anticipated in late June.
Jacki added: “This timeline ensures that the community can witness the transformation of the chosen design into a captivating piece of public art.
‘Luton BID is excited to see which mural resonates most with the community and becomes a cherished part of our town’s landscape.”
Silvia Lerin is a Spanish visual artist based in Luton. She graduated with a BA (Hons) in Fine Arts from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain.
With several solo exhibitions in Germany, Spain, and the UK, particular highlights were the ones she made in the Sophien-Edition Gallery in Berlin and in the Outpost Gallery in Norwich.
She has received numerous awards and grants, outstanding among others was the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant of New York in 2013 which brought her to London, where she decided to stay, and in 2017 she was awarded The Annex Collection Award in the UK.
There exist numerous artworks by her in various public buildings and many private collections throughout Spain and abroad.
Luton Business Improvement District (BID) is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and overall appeal of Luton town centre through collaborative initiatives and community engagement.
