Graphic artists, muralists and creatives united in Stoke-on-Trent on 27 July for a dedicated art festival - the first of its kind in the city in over a decade.

A collaboration between Staffordshire-based artist, Rob Fenton, and Stoke-on-Trent BID, the ArtJam saw over 40 muralists across the country transform neglected 'Levelling Up' scheme fencing.

Rob Fenton, Project Lead for ArtJam said: "We originally got talking to the team at Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID in 2023 about this event and how we can activate the city centre space together; it's been great to see it all finally come to life."

From local tattoo artists to those responsible for the recent Nemesis Reborn makeover at Alton Towers, the art has already made a large impact in the city centre space, utilising over 200 cans of spray paint between them.

ArtJam was the first dedicated art festival in Stoke-on-Trent for over a decade (Stoke-on-Trent BID).

Whilst some artists took a traditional realism approach, others have embraced the heritage of Stoke-on-Trent with potbanks and the iconic Hanley Blue Clock. Passers by and those who travelled specifically for the event welcomed the creative transformations in the city centre, referring to the efforts as a welcomed sight.

Richard Buxton, CEO of Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID said: "I think it's wonderful what has been achieved today, we deliver events and place-making activities all year round but nothing quite like this before.

"It has been amazing to see local and national artists come together to create this diverse artwork and we'd encourage those who live, work and visit our city centre to take a moment to explore them.

Tom Edwards (We Are Culla) transforming Lichfield Street, Hanley (Stoke-on-Trent BID).

"We extend our gratitude to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for granting us special permission for this project, and the team of volunteers from Vodafone Stoke Contact Centre who assisted us in the preparation of fencing earlier this month."

Alongside this event, a city centre trail entitled ArtBox has landed in the city centre, featuring 19 bins and electric boxes that have recieved vibrant makeovers in collaboration with organisations such as YMCA, Peak Education and Cultural Zebra.

All designs now feature on a city centre-wide art trail map, available digitally here.

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