A new mural inspired by Nelson Mandela is nearing completion in Liverpool 8.
The artwork created by John Culshaw, infamous for his range of murals across the City of Liverpool, was commissioned by local charity Mandela8, and is set to transform the beginning of Princes Avenue.
Locals have seen the mural develop day-by-day on the feature wall of the Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre (KIMC) with a wave of excitement building over the past few weeks until its completion. The end result is set to be a stunning tribute with a strong message from Mandela himself – “education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”.
Sonia Bassey MBE, Chair of Mandela8 said: “This has been a while in development behind the scenes and adds to the already significant regeneration along Princes Avenue that has seen Mandela8 influencing and shaping the very fabric of our community. It will be a fitting tribute to one of the most significant leaders in the world in advance of the Mandela Family’s visit to Liverpool this July.
We are delighted that KIMC allowed us to use this wall for the mural. John Culshaw is an amazingly talented artist, and it has been a privilege for Mandela8 to work with him. We have already seen a real excitement about the work developing and we envisage – like all John’s work – it will become a major attraction for visitors”.
The completion of the new mural will come ahead of the opening of the new Nelson Mandela memorial in Princes Park this July. Nelson Mandela’s daughter Dr Maki Mandela and his granddaughter, Tukwini Mandela will be on hand to cut the ribbon on the memorial dedicated to the iconic South African leader as part of a week-long visit this summer.
Stephen Nze, Mandela8 Ambassador, who has been leading site management said: “It’s great to finally see this project come to life; the mural is set to become a landmark within our community. It’s been amazing working with John and it’s great that it will be placed where it will be visible to so many traveling through our community, as well as those that live within it, with a powerful message to all – young and old alike.”
Michelle Charters, Chief Executive Officer of KIMC said: “We are delighted to host this important image of Nelson Mandela created by the amazing artist John Culshaw, on our building. This visual recognition of the great man, his words and contribution to society will leave a legacy of hope for all as they walk or drive past our building.
KIMC are honoured to have been asked by Mandela8 to partner on this and see it as a fitting tribute to all who have been involved in development and projects leading up to and including the upcoming Nelson Mandela memorial in Princes Park, L8.”
Artist, John Culshaw said: “It has been a privilege working on this project with Mandela8. It’s amazing to get the opportunity to paint such an icon. Nelson Mandela is a man who has given so much to humanity and in fighting so hard to abolish apartheid, showed the world that the only way forward is equality.
I hope the the people of the community and visitors who see this mural, will take away a sense of the man and an understanding of his wise words.“
Be sure to visit the site and watch this wonderful piece of artwork come together at Kuumba Imani, 4 Princes Rd, Liverpool L8 1TH.
Follow the artist, John Culshaw, on his Instagram page @john_culshaw86; follow the Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre on Twitter @kuumba_imani; and for more information on Mandela8, please visit mandela8.org.uk.