A few government building walls in Coimbatore are likely to turn a canvas for street artists. | Photo Credit: S. SIVA SARAVANAN more-in Coimbatore Corporation that has thus far used only brooms and bins to clean and beautify the city will soon handle painting brushes for the purpose. It will, however, engage artists who will bring street art to the city. According to senior Corporation officials, a team of street artists had approached the civic body a few days ago to explore the possibility of embellishing the city with street art on the lines of New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore’s honorary secretary R. Raveendran, who is privy to the discussion, said the team comprising artists from various countries showcased its work done in the cities – in New Delhi it had painted Mahatma Gandhi on a wall over 60-feet tall and in Mumbai it had painted Rani Laxmi Bai. The team had sought the Corporation’s cooperation and support in arranging stay and local transportation. It promised to take care of the other expenses. The Corporation readily agreed to the proposal and would take up the work under Smart Cities Mission. The team led by artist Giulia Ambrogi surveyed a few areas and was favourably disposed towards the area that houses the Railway Station, Collectorate, City Police Commissionerate, District Integrated Court Complex, Government Arts College and Coimbatore Medical College Hospital. Coimbatore artist V. Jeevananthan, who will be coordinating with the team, said the visiting team was keen on having visibility to attract eyeballs. The team’s art would be national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi or themes on nationality and nature. It would not even have a logo and had left it to the Corporation to place a board in front of the painting, if it so desired. Mr. Raveendran said with the team charging no money from the Corporation and gifting the city their creativity, labour and art, it would embellish the city. Mr. Jeevanathan said the team’s art in other cities was very professional as even when the art was scaled to 50 or 60 feet the proportions did not change. For the Coimbatore artists, it would be a great exposure and learning experience to work with a professional, international team. The Corporation officials said the compound walls and building walls of government establishments in the area would be the first choice as getting approval would be relatively easy. The clock tower near Town Hall would also turn a canvas. The artists were expected to start their work in October. Giulia Ambrogi said the team was finalising a few details and the complete picture would be known in a few days – the theme and artists.

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