Exeter-based artist, Paul Colsell, is set to create an iconic mural in the heart of the city that will celebrate kindness and raise funds for charity. Three local businesses are already supporting the project and are inviting other businesses to be a part of this exciting initiative.
An ‘Exeter Kindness Mural’ is to be painted on the Crossline building in Heavitree Road, facing the Central bus station, and will feature the work of renowned artist and author, Charley Mackesy. The project aims to upgrade the front entrance of the building, which currently has cracks and graffiti stains, and spread a message of positivity and kindness throughout the community.
The mural will comprise one of the illustrations from Mackesy’s international bestseller, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse,” along with the quote “What do you want to be when you grow up? ‘Kind,’ said the boy.” Charley Mackesy has given his permission for the use of his artwork and quote, making the project even more meaningful.
The idea for the mural was proposed by Sue Sharp, former manager of the Choices Pregnancy Centre, who noticed the need for the building’s end facade to be resurfaced. Paul Colsell, who has painted several large-scale murals throughout his career, volunteered to help bring the project to life.
The crowdfunding campaign, aims to raise £5,000 to cover the cost of resurfacing and scaffolding necessary to create the mural. The funds will also be used to support the charities operating in the Crossline building and offer a gift to orphans in Africa. Kondanani UK, a local charity, has partnered with Paul to provide financial oversight and offer donors the option of GiftAid, which increases donations by 25% for taxpayers.
Local Devon Business support Exeter Kindness Mural
The project has already received widespread support from the community, with local residents making donations and volunteers stepping up to help raise funds. It has also been supported by three local businesses. This includes local photographer Gwenllian Raill of White Linen Photography; communications consultant Al Gibson of Countdown Creative Ltd, and Charity Financial Manager, Tim Davies of Style Accounts.
“I’m pleased to be part of the Exeter Kindness project,” says Al Gibson, “It really caught my imagination to share a message of kindness in our city and especially using artwork from the best loved Charley Mackesy book. I encourage other businesses in the city to participate in whatever way they can.”
Paul Colsell, who has just turned 82, is eager to climb three floors of scaffolding to paint the image as soon as the £5,000 cost of the project is met. He hopes that the mural will inspire people to be kinder to each other and help build stronger communities in Exeter.
The Exeter Kindness project is being overseen by Kondanani UK an Exeter-based charity that exists to alleviate poverty in the UK and abroad, including those who are in conditions of need, hardship, or who are aged or sick. It also supports the work of an orphanage and paediatric hospital in Africa.
Let’s spread kindness and positivity throughout our community with this beautiful mural! If you’d like to donate to the Exeter Kindness Mural project or learn more, visit exeterkindness.co.uk or https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/exeter-kindness-mural.
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