Part of the Reconnecting Runcorn programme, the Dukesfield Street Art Project saw international muralists Liam Bononi and Aylo Nomad arrive to create striking street art inspired by workshops and contributions from the local community.
The team at Runcorn’s Hazlehurst Studios, Runcorn and District Historical Society, Society Taprooms and Halton Borough Council have been working together on the project. Claire Pitt the Director at Hazlehurst Studios, said: “It’s brilliant to see it all starting to come together bringing local history to life.”
As part of the project, the artists and local volunteers prepared the Dukesfield site with cleaning and pillar preparation which kicked off the two-week installation period of four murals.
Since starting the project, Liam Bononi and Alylo Nomad said they have had ‘unwavering support’ from local people, with residents stopping by taking pictures of the art in progress, asking about each of the stories being brought to life and learning about the history behind them.
Alylo has produced more than 500 murals around the world, including in the USA, Europe and Mexico. She said: “Normally the people around don’t care about what we are painting but here there are so many residents coming out and sharing their stories with us about the area.”
Liam began working in street art in 2007 while living in Brazil before moving to Liverpool in 2019. He added: “It’s clear that this really means something to the community and how important it is to see their stories coming to life.”
The Reconnecting Runcorn programme is part of a wider regeneration project funded by £23.6m from the former Government’s Towns Fund.
This Saturday (May 10) the project culminates in Beyond the Walls, a celebratory event featuring live music, DJs, and community gatherings at Society. For tickets click here.
