Street art (graffiti art) projects in Norwich
We understand the difference between street art, which is generally regarded as an artistic and considered intervention, and graffiti which is generally considered to have a negative impact. Street art can include painting, writing and murals on buildings, walls, the street and park furniture or other structure.
We would like to discuss your project with you before you begin so we can advise on what needs to be considered. We may also have projects that we can link you with.
To discuss your ideas please get in touch with Clare Hubery:
t: 01603 989333
e: clarehubery@norwich.gov.uk
What you will need
Written permission from the owners of any building or structure that you wish to paint. Tenants may not have the right to grant permission.
You will also need planning permission from Norwich City Council if your site is in a conservation area, or if your piece of art will change the character of the area.
Street art will not usually be considered acceptable on a listed building.
The design
Work must be respectful. You must consider the context of the local environment and not cause offence.
Offensive graffiti may contain some or all of the following: offensive language, language of a politically, racially, religiously insulting or inciting nature; hate statements; graphically explicitly images; graphically intimidating images or text; images that are textually or visually offensive in context; libellous or potentially libellous statements.
Consult with the local community
You need to talk to the people and businesses that live, work and operate around the site to engage them in your project. This will help people to understand what you are doing and will increase support for your project.
Protecting and maintaining your art
You are strongly advised to protect your art with anti-graffiti coating. This will allow tagging to be removed easily. Without this, if your work is tagged, the whole piece may be removed.
If you create a piece of graffiti art please make sure that it remains a positive contribution to the environment. Art that becomes tatty and unattractive can jeopardise future projects as it can be perceived to be detrimental to the area.
Artists and groups that do not follow the above guidelines will be responsible for removing the work and may be charged by Norwich City Council for any costs incurred.
Legal position
- Graffiti and street art can sometimes amount to a criminal offence under the Criminal Damage Act 1971.
- The maximum sentence for serious offences is 10 years in prison.
- The maximum fine for a conviction where the matter is an indictable offence heard at Crown Court is £5,000.
- If the matter is subject to a summary conviction at a Magistrates’ Court, it could incur a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment and a maximum fine of £2,500.
