In May 2014 Marshall sponsored a unique community art project. It was initiated by the two institutions ARTTERAPI and EMAA and embraces all the principles of the Let’s Colour project. The walls along the arterial highway leading from Kyrenia to Lefkoa were filled with artworks by local artists. Years ago a retired army officer and painter has already covered the walls with Cypriot symbols, carpets & flowers, but these had faded over the years so the walls were drab grey concrete with graffiti patches.
The road is a main route into North Cyprus from the Greek south Cyprus and is also a thoroughfare used for thousands of local commuters on a daily basis. Safa Golcuoglu, Regional Sales Manager at Marshall explains ‘The idea was to bring colour to people’s lives on a daily basis and also allow the establishment an open air art museum since there is no art museum in North Cyprus’. Artists were invited to hand in a draft design in April and on Sunday May 4th, the artists transposed their concept onto the walls which had been painted a base white with Marshall exterior masonry paint by employees of Tayf Ltd, distributor of Marshall paint in North Cyprus. Each artist participating had a space of 10x 1.50-2m.Marshall and TAYF Ltd provided all the materials for the artists from paint to brushes and even a mobile fresh water bun to help clean up. There were plenty of helpers from Tayf Ltd with refreshments and support.
It was a real community event with the Girne Municipality closing off one lane of traffic for safety sake and the Highway Control provide security by regulating the traffic. As the project was on a main thoroughfare there was plenty of interest as people passed on their Sunday to enjoy the coast or head toward the city. Cars ‘peeped’ their horns in support and passengers took photos and videos.
The total wall is approximately 1km and 37 artists took part. 1, 200 liters of Marshall paint was used. You can see more about it on the Facebook page ‘Marshall North Cyprus’ The project leaves a lasting and welcoming display in North Cyprus and adds colour to people’s lives on a daily basis.
