Public Art Installations

Status: Ongoing
Partners: Varied
Project Costs: Undisclosed

In late 2023, we embarked on a unique experiment: to bring high-quality, unmissable public art inspired by local stories to the walls of Chatham’s often-overlooked neighbourhoods.

Our mission was both simple and transformative: to celebrate the past and present stories of this area, to spark curiosity among residents, and to foster a renewed sense of connection to the wider community. As the project evolved, we welcomed residents to nominate walls and share stories to inspire each new mural, inviting them to join us in this creative journey.

We began boldly—with a giant, crash-landed cabbage painted by the renowned artist WOSKerski—that sparked an immediate wave of intrigue and excitement. Building on this momentum, we quickly expanded the project into a series of murals that sparked thousands of conversations about identity, home, and community. Within months, the public art programme became one of Arches Local’s most recognisable achievements, drawing a level of interest and engagement unparalleled in the past decade.

Arches Local oversees the programme from start to finish, handling everything from wall selection and artist coordination to securing the necessary consents. With each new mural, we continue to cultivate a deeper sense of pride and place within the community.

The project’s success has also opened doors for collaboration beyond Medway, as we work with communities in other areas to bring similar art initiatives to life, creating even more spaces for connection, curiosity, and celebration.