30.3.2023 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EXETER ARTIST PAUL COLSELL LAUNCHES CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN FOR MURAL FEATURING WORK OF CHARLIE MACKESY

EXETER, UK – Paul Colsell, a local artist, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to create a mural in the heart of Exeter. Known as the Exeter Kindness Mural it will feature the work of celebrated artist and author, Charley Mackesy. A key objective of the project is to celebrate kindness in the city.

The mural is to be painted on the Crossline building at 4 Heavitree Road and will be clearly visible from the Central bus station. Exeter City Council has approved the project and Charley Mackesy has given his permission for Paul to use one of the illustrations from his book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.

The book, which is an international best seller was followed by an animated film version on BBC last Christmas which has just won an Oscar. The mural will comprise Charlie Mackesy’s drawing and the following quote. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “‘Kind’ said the boy.”

The idea for the mural came from Sue Burbage, who worked in the building. Sue realised the need for the end facade to be resurfaced due to cracks and graffiti. She thought a mural would upgrade the front entrance and Paul was happy to volunteer, seeing he has painted several large scale murals in his long career in art and design.

Paul, who. has just turned 82 will now climb three floors of scaffolding to paint the image as soon as the £5000 cost of the project is met. Paul would also like to give surplus funds to the charities that operate in the building including the Exeter Soup Kitchen which urgently needs refurbishing as well as a gift to orphans in Africa.

Kondanani UK, a local charity, has partnered with Paul to provide financial oversight for the project and offer donors the option of GiftAid, which increases donations by 25% for taxpayers. A team of people has also come alongside Paul to help raise funds for the project and its designated charities. These include local photographer Gwenllian Raill; communications consultant Al Gibson; and Charity Financial Manager, Tim Davies.

The crowdfunding campaign, which is hosted on the Crowdfunder website, aims to raise £5,000 to cover the cost of resurfacing and scaffolding needed to create the mural. Paul will paint the mural as a gift to the city. The campaign has already received support from the community, with local residents making donations.

Speaking about the project, Paul Colsell said: “I am thrilled to be working on the Kindness Mural project. It is a fantastic initiative, and I am passionate about using art to promote positivity and kindness. I hope that the mural will inspire people to be kinder to each other, and help to build stronger communities here in Exeter.”

For more information about the Kindness Mural project visit exeterkindness.co.uk. The Crowdfunder page can be found at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/exeter-kindness-mural.

About Paul Colsell:

Paul Colsell is an artist based in Exeter, UK. He is known for his large-scale murals, which can be found throughout the city. Paul is passionate about using art to promote positivity and build stronger communities. Paul is available for media interviews. Email him at paul@exeterkindness.co.uk. You can also speak to Al Gibson on 077 2617 5683.

About Exeter Kindness

Exeter Kindness is a project of Kondanani UK (Charity no: 1113426) an Exeter based charity that exists to alleviate poverty in the UK and abroad. This includes persons who are in conditions of need, hardship, or who are aged or sick. Kondanani UK also supports the work of an orphanage and paediatric hospital in Africa at Kondanani Children’s Village.

PHOTOS: Media may use any of the images in our gallery. Please attribute Gwenllian Riall.