More than 900 people have signed a petition to protect artwork on the Millennium Boardwalk in Cardiff City Centre.
The boardwalk has hosted artists and hip hop musicians from around the UK. Artists say there were plans in the pipeline for cultural festivals and events to take place in the area.
Graffiti artist Amelia ‘Unity’ Thomas started the petition, she says the boardwalk’s a non-threatening environment for people to get involved with graffiti culture.
“There’s so much potential with this space. It’s important for many people as well as being a draw for tourists. Graffiti culture is relevant to young people who may have had chaotic lives and disadvantaged backgrounds. It gives them an opportunity to engage with something.”
Another artist, Matt Woodward, comes from Gloucester to paint on the boardwalk. He says, “It brings colour and character to Cardiff.”
Matt Woodward says the Millennium Boardwalk’s an important space
Keiron Jones, who runs the first ever Welsh graffiti store in Cardiff city centre says there are serious messages behind some of the artwork.
Mr Jones, from Oner Signs & Leisure on Church Street, says some of the art is memorial pieces to people who have died.
Keiron Jones has been a graffiti artist for around 30 years
Memorial piece dedicated to ‘Toaster’
Another significant piece of artwork on the wall is the section dedicated to victims of domestic violence. The writing lists names of women who were killed in 2016, “Most by a man they loved.”
A spokesperson from Cardiff City Council says, “It was agreed the Millennium Walkway could be used as a legal street art wall for a short period of time. This area will be used to publicise the UEFA Champions League Final in the week prior to the match on 3rd June and we are looking for an alternative location for the artists and will continue to work with the promoters on this.”
