Cadw Creator — Street Art

During community engagement work that supported the development of what was to become Anti-racist Wales Action Plan several references were made to the recognising of Street Art.

This resource is in direct response to this and provides a framework for teachers, artist educators and pupils to explore street art using the local built environments for inspiration in the expressive arts Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE).

Throughout history, street art and graffiti have been used by humans as a form of mark-making. Some of the earliest forms of human artwork and communication use spray paint and stencil. Cave painting and Makers marks are early examples. Modern graffiti has its origins in 1970s New York, America (part of a wider street scene including music and dance). It often uses spray painted imagery and lettering to create artworks in the public space.

In Wales, modern graffiti began appearing in Welsh industrial areas in the early 1980s, inspired by the New York trend. In more recent times, street art and graffiti have been created in public spaces all over Wales, as social or political comment. Much was created illegally and while amazing to see, you won’t be surprised to learn that, illegal mark-making in the public space is not advocated by Cadw.

Today we see street art all over Wales, exploring a wide range of subjects, with artists being commissioned to make new work alongside a thriving community and arts education scene that engages schools, children and young people across the country.

This resource introduces the concept of site-specific artwork and develops artistic skills. It provides an in depth look at street art throughout history, including examples from Wales, the UK, and across the globe. It is designed to equip teachers and artist educators with the knowledge and tools to facilitate a high quality street art project with a group of learners.

A project planning framework is suggested with clear links to the Expressive Arts AoLE ‘What Matters’ statements for the Welsh Curriculum.

Important 

Painting, writing or mark-making on anyone else’s property is illegal. Damage caused to a historical building or scheduled monument, even if it’s on your own land, is considered a heritage crime and is a criminal offence. Removal of street art is costly and impacts on the integrity of our cultural heritage in Wales, which we value within our communities. Please See Heritage Protector