The first of several new murals planned for a North East town centre has been unveiled as part of a major effort to revitalise the area through public art.
The artwork, located in Gateshead, is part of a wider public art scheme funded by the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund and led by Gateshead Council.
It aims to transform and rejuvenate the town centre through creative expression.
The first of several new town centre murals
(Image: Supplied)
Lindsay Murray, service director for communities and culture at Gateshead Council, said: "We are delighted to have one of the world’s best urban artists here in Gateshead bringing a wave of creativity to our town centre.
"This is just the beginning and the first of many artworks that’ll soon be appearing in the area.
"We can’t wait for residents to see and feel the difference they make."
Before the mural
(Image: Supplied)
The first mural was created by the artist See You Through It, also known as Mando Marie.
American-born and currently based between Amsterdam and Portugal, she is known for her distinctive twinned figures.
The mural is painted on the former Wilko’s site and depicts two figures setting out on an adventure.
It is intended to reflect the sense of journey and transformation now underway in Gateshead.
See You Through It said: "I wanted this piece to have a feeling of adventure and possibility... that moment when you’re setting off somewhere without necessarily know exactly where you’re going.
"I hope the mural brings a little sense of wonder, optimism and adventure to the people who pass it.
"I like public work to leave some room for imagination.
"The girls are already on their way somewhere... the rest of the story belongs to whoever happens to be looking."
The mural kicks off 'Off the Walls', a wider project to introduce bold public art across Gateshead town centre as part of the council’s regeneration ambitions and new culture strategy.
The project is being delivered by Electrik Sheep, a duo made up of local artists Mul and Prefab77.
They have been commissioned to curate a series of murals by leading urban artists, covering everything from shop shutters to gable ends.
Electrik Sheep added: "It’s great to have See You Through It launch 'Off the Walls', which is all about creativity and transforming everyday spaces into something people can be proud of.
"Great murals have a way of changing how people feel about a place, and we can't wait for people to see more artwork come to life and to reveal the exciting artists who'll be joining us soon."
More murals will appear across the town centre over the summer.
Read more
Landmark artwork unveiled ahead of opening of North East education hub
Middlesbrough welcomes Turner Prize 2026
Why this cool hang out spot is the second best place to visit in the north
The project forms part of Gateshead Council’s broader vision to make culture accessible to everyone and support borough-wide regeneration.
In addition to the town centre murals, a separate scheme led by Elements Art and local artist MarkOne87 will see new artworks introduced in neighbourhoods across the borough.
This follows earlier collaboration between the council and MarkOne87 in the Railway Quarter, where colourful murals helped transform the Gateshead Arches into a popular pop-up events space.