The Picket: A space for graffiti enthusiasts to spray

May 28 2008 by Andy Johnson, Liverpool Daily Post

A FAMOUS Liverpool music venue is launching a competition for aspiring Banksys and budding graffiti artists to design and re- spray its outside walls.

The Picket, which hosted the Sound City opening party featuring Pete Hooton and Ian McNabb, has always been a haven for new artistic talent.

Anyone is welcome to submit designs for painting The Picket to help celebrate its second birthday in the independent arts quarter after moving from Hardman Street.

The giant graffiti painting will replace the existing one and take place over the Summer Solstice on June 21, as part of a huge event hosted by Purple Revolver.

Runners-up will also be invited to the Vandal...ISM party at the Picket to spray their designs on boards, which will then be auctioned off for the Red Balloon anti-bullying charity.

Event specialists Purple Revolver are organising the competition as a warm-up to their urban art festival and proceeds will go towards the Red Balloon James Bulger House Appeal.

Purple Revolver Director Amber Tan said: "This is a unique opportunity for any budding graffiti artists in the city to legally leave their mark on a prestigious venue.

"The Picket is a world-famous music mecca, which has always given emerging talent in Liverpool a chance to shine before they hit the big time.

"Everybody from Elvis Costello to The Wombats have played at The Picket and now they are giving spray artists a chance.

"Any aspiring graffiti artists should e-mail their entry designs and the winners will need to be on hand in the week before the event."

The competition deadline is June 14, and winners will be invited to the venue on New Bird Street to plan how to transpose their giant painting on to the wall.

Send your entries to events@purplerevolver.com or thepicketliverpool@hotmail.com