via Inhabitat

Leeds Graffiti artist “Moose” did something a bit different - instead of using spraypaint, stencils and other typical tools of the graffiti trade, he’s switched to a high-powered grime-cleaner. And it seems to achieve the same effect– beautifully contrasted images on public walls and buildings. But the Leeds Council charged him under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act… even though, technically, he was cleaning the walls.

read the full story at inhabitat.com

There’s a ‘Homeless Banquet’ in the BearPit inside the St. James Barton roundabout at the end of Stokes Croft near Broadmead on Sunday, June 29th from 2-4pm. I wish I could say you’d find more information on the Bristol Vineyard website, but you can’t, and for some reason I can’t seem to upload the photo of the poster.

A beautiful Saturday afternoon and the people have taken to the streets! As we’re walking around I hear a few comments along the lines of ‘what are we doing here?’, ‘where are we going?’. To be honest, it’s the same questions on my lips. I know we’re here because of our beloved Stokes Croft, but what that means is a mystery so far. It’s at this point that the very vivid red and green placards are pointed out - how I missed them is beyond me, I was carrying one after all! They scream the objective:

DON’T DEVELOP STOKES CROFT – LET IT DEVELOP.

A warm sense of purpose washes over me, we’re taking a message of loving creativity to the streets and Love Bristol is in the middle of it- exactly where we belong! We don’t want big money making companies to come in and develop it their way, we want the people of Stokes Croft to dictate the future. Love Bristol has a vision for this: a community based in love with a heart for people and expressing part of that through artistic creativity (in whatever form that may be). If we love a God who is supremely creative and who wants the best for us, then we need to bring that message into reality.

What astounds me is that this is what this Croft march is all about, hundreds of people have taken to the streets to say in unity that ‘we want to creatively develop our city’. Enough of the little boxes mentality, it’s not all about the almighty buck and how many flats we cram into as smaller space as possible, there obviously has to some of that but it should be along side a development of community.

A pleasant hour or so spent in the sun talking to my fellow protestors (protest may be slightly strong but it allows to me to feel slightly more rebellious) leads us to a derelict building in the town centre and the final piece of the day is put into place. Creativity is the theme and a small installation has been devised to allow you time to think about the purpose of the day. Various local artists have displayed a selection of their work and it’s a relaxing time soaking in the atmosphere and the distinct creative odour, at least that’s what I hope it was.

Joking aside, it’s great to see that people are pulling together to stand up for creative community and, thank God, Love Bristol is becoming an integrated part of that goal.

We’ve worked out most of the major wrinkles regarding the prayer room, and after two intense days of work (thanks to everyone who helped), we’re ready to launch! We don’t have an official date yet, but the room is officially open. Here are some photos of the progress. We’re about 90% there. Here’s what more needs to be done:

1. Finish Stokes Croft painting (Andy)
2. a bit more carpeting, but the main bit is done
3. need more worship music
4. need art materials:
   • pencils
   • paper
   • pens
   • books
   • bibles
   • markers, etc…
5. a tad bit more white painting on nooks, crannies, walls & ceiling

Some come along anytime to drop some stuff off, paint or pray. We’ll experiment using the sign-up form here. And here are some photos of the current progress and state.

Jack Cleverly, a Bristol-based indie singer-songwriter jams out his set of quasi-melodic lo-fi tracks on an acoustic guitar– is smooth-as-an-American-milkshake voice sounding out clear above the chords. Being invited to play by Sean Clarke, Kuvuka Cafe’s Uganda-born Northern-Irish owner, Jack’s songs support the chill vibe in the place, which is now adorned with Christmas décor– complete with plastic tree (it looks so real!) and fairy-lights. Needless to say, it’s the most cosy place to have a Fairtrade cappucino on Stokes Croft after work. And if you pop in early, sometime Sean offers a bacon bap and coffee for only a pound!

Yesterday a bunch of us went out to help PRSC beautify Stokes Croft a bit further. Chris brought a bunch of pre-cut paintings that were to be fitted into the arched windows (pictured) of Westmoreland House on the corner of Ashley Rd & Stokes Croft. Some of us painted the rubbish bins yellow (2 coats for posterity) and others painted the wooden barriers white at the opening of Ashley Rd (where all that patchouli smell is coming from).

After some tweaking, we are happy to welcome you to the new LoveBristol.org website! Now you can keep up-to-date with what’s going on with LoveBristol and our initiatives