Following the article we ran on Sunday about Island artist Tony Trowbridge’s mural at Ryde Youth Centre, we received this statement from the council on Wednesday afternoon. Ed
A council spokesperson said “The youth centre manager was asked if a colourful mural could be painted on a blank wall within Ryde Youth Centre as part of a private birthday party and fundraising event held last weekend.
“This was accepted on the condition that the mural is appropriate for its location, given the youth centre is used by young people from the ages of 13, or it may need to be removed after the party. The mural was not commissioned by the youth centre and was commissioned privately at no cost to the council.
“While the vast majority of the mural is impressive, unfortunately it was felt that parts were inappropriate for a youth centre. This focuses on the way in which the some of the women are portrayed in a sexual manner and understandably the manager has deemed this inappropriate for a centre aimed at young people as young as 13.
Mural will still be removed
“The artist has since made some adjustments although the manager feels the mural remains inappropriate for the building and it will be removed. However, the manager remains keen for some kind of mural to feature and is happy to work with the artist and young people to come up with a design that is appropriate for everyone to enjoy.”
