Eight vacant storefronts in Leicester have been transformed into vibrant public artworks as part of an innovative initiative to combat vandalism and attract new businesses to the city's commercial districts. The Street Stories project, a collaborative effort between BID Leicester, Leicester City Council, and Arch Creative, aims to make empty retail spaces more appealing to potential tenants while providing local artists with platforms to showcase their creative work.
The interactive art installations feature QR codes that visitors can scan with their smartphones to bring the artwork to life through digital content. This technological element adds an immersive dimension to the street art experience, encouraging pedestrians to engage more deeply with the installations. The current artworks will remain on display until new businesses move into each of the vacant units.
Leicester-based artist Clare Fazackerley has contributed significantly to the project, creating artwork displayed in Silver Street that captures the essence of Leicester's nightlife scene. Her work draws inspiration from the Leicester Comedy Festival, using foxes as the central subject matter rather than human figures. "Not only do they go out in the evening, it's also a great representation of Leicester with it being the foxes," Fazackerley explained, referencing Leicester City Football Club's nickname. Her original artwork is also displayed in a local pub that served as inspiration for her Street Stories creation.
Joe Nixon, founder and director of Street Stories, emphasized the growing importance of such community-focused art initiatives. "Projects like this can really help to generate civic pride, increase footfall, and just bring a bit of vibrancy to the city's streets," Nixon stated. He believes these artistic interventions are more crucial than ever in revitalizing urban commercial areas that have been affected by changing retail patterns.
James Dunham, operations executive at BID Leicester, highlighted the practical benefits of the artwork installations. "Bringing in the artwork can improve the color and vibrancy of these clusters of empty units and make sure that these properties aren't overlooked," Dunham said. The initiative addresses the visual impact of vacant storefronts, which can create a negative impression of commercial districts and deter both shoppers and potential business owners.
The Street Stories project has demonstrated measurable success since its initial launch in 2019. During its first implementation, seven out of eight participating units were successfully leased to new tenants, suggesting that the artistic interventions effectively made the spaces more attractive to prospective business owners. This track record has contributed to the project's expansion and continued support from local authorities and business organizations.
The artwork celebrates Leicester's diverse community by showcasing the city's people, places, and rich histories through the perspectives of local artists and storytellers. The scheme invites viewers to rediscover familiar streets and neighborhoods through creative interpretations that highlight cultural significance and community identity. This approach helps strengthen connections between residents and their urban environment while promoting local artistic talent.
Following its success in Leicester, the Street Stories concept has expanded to other cities across the United Kingdom. The program has been launched in Colchester, Wolverhampton, and Stirling in Scotland, demonstrating its potential for adaptation to different urban contexts and community needs. Each implementation is tailored to reflect the unique character and cultural heritage of its respective location while maintaining the core objectives of reducing vandalism, supporting local artists, and revitalizing commercial areas.
