An art dealer from Essex who owns the Season’s Greetings artwork by Banksy, along with work by many other international artists, is looking for willing partners to set up a Museum of Street Art on the Isle of Wight.
Season’s Greetings – painted on the side of a garage in Port Talbot, Wales – attracted international attention last year. The work, which was bought for a six-figure sum and then loaned to the town, depicts a boy seemingly catching snow on his tongue, which is in fact, ash from a bonfire behind him.
Going nowhere in Port Talbot
John Brandler of Brandler Galleries – who is a fond visitor to the Isle of Wight – intended to set up an international-level Museum of Street Art in Port Talbot, featuring work by Banksy, Kaws, Pure Evil, Connor Brothers, Damien Hirst, My Dog Sighs and many more renowned artists.
However, he told OnTheWight that after nine months of talks with Neath Port Talbot council leading nowhere, he’s now looking for interest from another location. He predicts the Museum would attract over 150,000 visitors a year, with increased trade for nearby cafes, bars, restaurants and accommodation providers.
The difference between tagging and graffiti
John’s plans for the Museum extend further than work on display, he said,
“Children will be able to come and make their own art – we’d provide the pre-cut stencils. Adults will be able to spray paint on hoardings etc.
“Want to educate people about the difference between scrawling your initials on a wall (tagging) and true graffiti which conveys a message.
“You might not like the message, it might say ‘Tony Blair is an idiot’, but it’s a message rather than just a scrawl.”
A movement for the 21st Century
Clearly passionate about the art of graffiti, John added,
“It’s the movement for the 21st Century, with five Museums globally already dedicated to it. The one in Amsterdam gets over 500,000 visitors a year.”
Columbine Building
Mr Brandler made contact after seeing OnTheWight’s article about East Cowes Arts and Culture Group’s plans for the Columbine Building.
As an alternative option in the event of any future proposals for residential development of the Columbine building, they were seeking expressions of interest from the likes of the V&A for the building to become a Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, Innovation by bringing an arts and cultural experience to East Cowes.
Secured for marine jobs
The Isle of Wight council last month had their offer for Venture Quays – which includes the Columbine building – accepted by Homes England. They say the main objective of the purchase was to secure marien jobs at the site.
Get in touch
John Brandler told OnTheWight he’s interested in hearing from anyone who would like to talk further about the possibility of setting up a Museum of International Street Art on the Island.
Get in touch with him by calling 01277 222 269 or emailing [email protected]
Image: © John Brandler
