What is Shutter Up and Shine Mablethorpe?
In 2024, the Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Partnership’s PLACETALK community listening project reveals themes of what matters to people living in the Mablethorpe area. Two of the top topics were to brighten up the high street all year round and more activities for young people – and so a Mablethorpe community street art initiative (Shutter Up and Shine Mablethorpe) was born.
Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Partnership set up and ran a community-based street shutter art project in Mablethorpe, which involved 8 young people working with Image Skool (you can follow this link to the ImageSkool website), a renowned street art specialist and 2 local businesses; Mablethorpe Ice Cream Company and The Beck Restaurant.
The Shutter Up and Shine Mablethorpe project aimed to brighten up the town while providing young people with an opportunity to learn new skills and express their creativity.
Over a six-week period from September 2024 to October 2024, the young participants collaborated with Image Skool and the businesses to design and paint 4 shutters on the High Street and Quebec Road.
Drawing inspiration from Mablethorpe, the students developed unique designs that reflected their personal perspectives and local pride.
Despite facing initial challenges, such as the withdrawal of a participating business, the project quickly adapted thanks to the strong support of local residents and businesses.
Image Skool expertly guided the shutter painting workshops, encouraging and inspiring the young people to embrace their creativity.
The project attracted significant community support and positive engagement.
One local business proudly shared social media posts showcasing the progress and final results which received around 2,000 of likes, positive comments, and shares.
Passersby expressed enthusiasm for the vibrant artwork and the involvement of young people in the community.
The Shutter Up and Shine Mablethorpe Project was embraced by the residents and businesses of Mablethorpe and was a huge success within the community for the following reasons.
Positive community response: The project received overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents, visitors, and businesses.
Increased local pride: The artwork, including the Mablethorpe Mermaid and iconic landmarks in Mablethorpe helped to create a sense of pride and ownership among community members.
Youth development: The young participants gained valuable skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Economic impact: The project contributed to local businesses by attracting visitors and creating a more vibrant atmosphere.
Below are some testimonials, not only from the youn people involved in the project, but from local members of the community and project partners.
“I love how it brightens up the street in it’s own way and how it brings pride to the community and kinda brings us together. I feel there’s a little bit of me in the community now” (Poppy)
Young people involved in the project
“It makes me feel I’m part of it” (Lexi)
“If it wasn’t for this project I wouldn’t have had the confidence to go for the job”. (Amelia)
“This makes me smile, lovely to see the kids with something to do in an evening,”
Community members
“So much better, just what the town needs.”
“Oh wow. Absolutely fantastic. What a difference it makes to the whole town too. Well done to those very talented students. Great job.”
“They look amazing! How fabulous you gave them that opportunity.”
“It looks so bright and happy.”
“They (the young people) are full of pride about what they have done, it all looks pretty amazing!”
Liz, Flare project at Mablethorpe Community Learning in Partnership
“The transformation of the space has been overwhelming with many of our customers noticing and commenting how wonderful and nice a project like this must have been for us. I whole heartedly agree with this. I truly think the sense of accomplishment and community that these children foster through this project is well and truly something very special. I am excited to see how this project continues for both fostering pivotal key attitudes amongst young children all whilst transforming blank and dull spaces into vibrant and eye-catching pieces of art.
David, owner of The Beck Restaurant
We absolutely love the mermaid and have since had many of our customers saying how wonderful it looks and how wonderful it is to have something like this in our small coastal town where development projects are few and far between – especially with this much community and art behind it.”
“I’m really happy to be involved in the project. It’s lovely to see the young people’s design through to the final images. It makes them feel part of something.
Sofie, owner of Mablethorpe Ice Cream Company
So many people in the community have been asking to take photographs of the shutters. I feel there’s a real sense of pride of place. I was taken back by all the positive comments on social media.
I’m opening a new gift shop in Mablethorpe which will include an art studio for the community upstairs. My idea has always been that this will be a place to offer affordable art workshops for children and adults. I hadn’t considered spray painting as a workshop but since seeing how enthused the young people were designing and painting the shutters I will be looking to offer some spray painting workshops as well.”
“One of the main comments which weighed on me during this amazing project was how being a seaside destination the entire town shuts down during the winter months. This not only effects independent businesses but also the young people in and around Mablethorpe. Making this project even more important, showcasing what a wonderful community Mablethorpe is!
Image Skool (Community Street Art Workshop Facilitators)
It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with both Hannah and Sue to facilitate this series of workshops bringing to life the young people’s ideas and representation of what Mablethorpe represents to them, in partnership with such lovely business owners! I’m truly in ore of how supportive everyone has been with the artwork! “
“Imageskool has been delighted to be able to work with Lincolnshire CVS and the young people from Mablethorpe to create some artwork in the town celebrating the local area and the talents of the young people. Their dedication and hard work have not only made the project a joy but also a very positive and rewarding experience and the support and encouragement from the local community and businesses have been the icing on the cake”
Our YouTube video below shows you how the Shutter Up and Shine Mablethorpe project evolved from the initial design sketches through to the completed shutters.
This case study highlights the positive impact of community-based street art projects in fostering local pride, developing youth skills, and revitalising public spaces. The positive impact of the project has inspired the young people involved to continue their artistic endeavours and even consider mentoring younger generations in future initiatives.
More businesses have expressed interest in having their shutters painted. Street art can have a positive impact on local economies by attracting visitors and supporting businesses.
Sofie from Mablethorpe Ice Cream Company felt so inspired by the project, she has decided to set up a community art studio above her new gift shop opening in February. As well as offering art for children and adults she wants to bring the opportunity for young people to continue to develop their spray painting skills.
As summer season comes to an end, the shutters will proudly brighten up two of the main streets in Mablethorpe.
