Work on Newquay's newest mural is underway

Thursday, 20 March 2025 15:20

Work on a striking new mural is underway in Newquay town centre.

Once complete, the latest art installation in Gover Lane will join the three murals created for the MUQY Street Art Walking Trail last year. Work began earlier this week and is due to finish on Saturday.

The project is delivered by Newquay BID and funded by Cornwall Council’s Town Delivery Fund, which aims to help revitalise town centres. Created by renowned large-scale mural artist and designer Josephine Hicks (aka Hixxy), the "vibrant, surrealist design" will depict local stories and themes. Best known for her dynamic murals often described as ‘Left Field Tutti-Fruity’ in appearance - Hixxy has an impressive portfolio, including collaborations with major brands like Clarks and Bombay Sapphire.

Hixxy has gathered in-depth archival information from a broad range of local sources to inspire and inform her location-sensitive piece in Newquay. The unique visual style of the mural will leave room for audiences to form their own narratives. With a focus on the ebb and flow of tourism in Newquay, it will feature elements such as RNLI lifeguards, hospitality workers, dog walkers, and traffic wardens - all brought to life in her bright, bold, and larger-than-life style.

Produced by Slapdash Studio, MUQY already features three distinct murals by different artists, each celebrating Newquay’s heritage and vibrant culture. These artworks are connected via QR codes as part of a free street art walking trail, and the fourth mural will be linked in the same way once complete.

Mark Warren, Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) Manager, said:
"We are often asked when the next mural is coming to town, so we are excited to officially announce and confirm its arrival. The previous murals generated a palpable buzz, and we anticipate this one will do the same. We don’t want to give too much away, but we can say it will be a striking piece that speaks to locals while providing a fun and colourful lift to the street. Just like the others, it will be thought-provoking, with depth and place-specific meaning. We have exciting plans for MUQY, with more sites set to launch in 2025, and we look forward to continuing to build on this legacy."

(PRESS PLAY below to hear our conversation with Mark)

The initial concept, developed by Dirk Parker (BID board member) and Jack Tierney from Slapdash Studio, was first made possible with funding from Experience Newquay. Jack had the privilege of collaborating with an incredible roster of street artists, securing the talent behind the first three murals: Kleiner Shames, Elle Koziupa, and 45 RPM—each bringing their distinct styles to Newquay.

The expanded project is now being delivered by Newquay BID and funded by Cornwall Council's Town Delivery Fund. Looking ahead to 2025, more murals are set to be added, further developing MUQY. More details will be revealed in the near future.

PRESS PLAY to listen to Mark Warren, Manager of Newquay BID...