Eurovision artwork king sets sights on Erewash

Artist Neil, with a blank canvas wall in Kirk Hallam (Credit: EBC)

A highly acclaimed artist famed for his large-scale Merseyside mural celebrating Eurovision has been sizing up walls in Erewash – after being commissioned by the council to bring his inspirational magic to three sites in the borough.

Neil Keating, 46 – whose piece called Sound of Freedom graces the 2023 contest’s host city of Liverpool – visited Kirk Hallam, Breaston and Petersham as part of a public art initiative that the authority is launching.

Erewash Borough Council has earmarked £100,000 for official murals to elevate the urban environment as part of a colossal sum it is ploughing into revitalising the borough. The money for enhancing the public realm is from the authority’s recently launched £6.5million Erewash Investment Fund – the key aims of which are to take action on empty shops, boost parks and playgrounds, and to back community initiatives and volunteer organisations.

The sites that graphic artist Neil will be transforming are just the initial ones on a council list. The three he has been commissioned to work on will see him engaging closely with local stakeholders as he submits two drafts to the council for each. The authority will be seeking community input and holding local consultations to pick the best. Those involved include building owners, Breaston Parish Council – and local people themselves, particularly the young.

Neil’s previous designs were even used by Premier League giants Everton FC for one of its kits this year. More information can be found here.

The stunning Liverpool mural he created was commissioned after Eurovision was held in the UK instead of in war-torn Ukraine – which was meant to have hosted the song contest after winning in 2022.

Cllr Mark Alfrey, Erewash’s Lead Member for Environment, said: “Official street art breathes life into urban areas – and is not just about brightening up walls. Murals have become a catalyst for creativity, community engagement and renewal.

“Many areas within the Midlands have seen street art bring communities together, creating a sense of belonging and pride. Throughout the initial consultation process the project has received support and praise – and I want to ensure that the art reflects the values and voices of the people who live within our borough.

“Importantly, a sense of place runs through all of Neil’s work. He has shown street art is no longer about graffiti on a wall – but offers revitalisation, creativity, community engagement and cultural relevance. He prides himself on what he describes as a visual language that connects across different contexts, audiences and environments. We are confident that he will produce something very special for the people of Erewash.”

Neil, whose Everton kit design incorporates references to the River Mersey, said: “I can’t wait to get started.” Asked about the artists he admires, he smiled: “I do like a bit of Picasso – not so much Banksy.”

His Erewash visit came ahead of this month’s Eurovision final being held in Vienna on Saturday 16th May.  The UK will be represented on what will be the contest’s 70th anniversary by synth king Sam Battle, who will be performing under the name LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER.

His song is called Eins, Zwei, Drei – which is German for “one, two three”. A video of him is on YouTube.