Music / O2 Academy BRISTOL
Artwork outside O2 Academy Bristol celebrates live music
A new painted outside the O2 Academy Bristol celebrates live music and reminds gig-lovers that the pandemic is “just an interval”.
Kid Crayon, an illustrator and mural artist who lives and works in the city, was commissioned by Creative Debuts and the O2 to remind music fans that the pause to live music events won’t be forever.
Since July 4, theatres and concert halls have been able to open to the public, but live music performances still aren’t allowed.
“I wanted to create a mural that would instantly make you think of loud music. A mural that was full of energy and represented the different music genres you would typically hear at O2 Academy Bristol,” says Kid Crayon, who studied at UWE Bristol.
“I collaged and mashed together each typographic element and then added different lighting effects in each section to tie the whole piece together,” says Kid Crayon. Photo: O2 Academy
O2, in collaboration with Creative Debuts, has teamed up with talent from across the UK to create one-of-a-kind artwork at 12 O2 Academy venues. Each venue has been given an artistic update by creatives from the city it is located in.
“We appreciate these continue to be extremely challenging circumstances for live music venues, still waiting on guidance as to when they can reopen their doors,” says Gareth Griffiths, who works for O2.
“As we gradually return to normality, it is so important we celebrate O2 Academy Bristol, a venue at the very heart of its community, loved for the many memories that it has created.
“The nation has experienced an extended break without live music, but this is just an interval and it will be back. We wanted to show our appreciation by ensuring fans remember the good times until we’re all able to enjoy live music together again.”
Main photo: O2 Academy
Read more: The impact of coronavirus on young creatives
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