A mural in Cardiff that was vandalised shortly after its completion has been restored to its original state, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the local community. The mural, located in the Gabalfa underpass at Western Avenue, was defaced with yellow paint by vandals just days after it had been completed. The artwork, which had taken weeks to create with the participation of local groups and schools, had given the underpass a vibrant new look before the act of vandalism took place.
Upon discovering the damage, members of the local community promptly came together to clean off the graffiti before it could set, ensuring the mural could be restored. The project, known as the Unify Gabalfa Interchange Project, involved various local entities such as the Cardiff Curriculum Team, Cardiff Youth Service, Cardiff Council’s Housing caretaking team, and Unify Creative. The initiative was funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) with the aim of engaging local schools and community members in redesigning the underpass to create a safer space.
Six local schools, including Bryn y Deryn PRU, Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf, Gabalfa Primary, Ysgol Gynradd Glan Ceubal, St. Joseph’s RC Primary, Meadowbank Special School, and the Glantaf Specialist Resource Base (SRB), participated in the project. Students from these schools, along with young people from Gabalfa Youth Club, collaborated with Unify Creative to produce artwork that reflected the community and its residents within the underpass.
Describing the project as a revitalisation of the Gabalfa underpass, a spokesperson from Cardiff Council emphasised the importance of local collaboration in fostering community pride and creativity. The restoration of the mural not only brought colour and vibrancy back to the space but also sent a strong message to vandals that antisocial behaviour would not be tolerated in the area.
In response to persistent vandalism on public-facing walls or garages, the council’s caretaking services team encouraged residents to reach out if they were interested in installing community artwork in these spaces. This proactive approach aims to further engage the community in preserving and enhancing public spaces through creative initiatives.
Overall, the successful restoration of the vandalised mural serves as a testament to the power of community engagement and collective action in safeguarding public art and shared spaces. By working together, the residents of Gabalfa have demonstrated their commitment to celebrating local creativity and fostering a sense of pride in their community.