Wall of support The Grays Urban Art Tra

Statements written in support of the Grays Urban Art Trail

"...I think this is an excellent idea and if done well, with the right scuptures, will greatly enhance the built environment and lift the spirits of those that live in the borough and visitors alike."

Philip Jackson CVO DL MA FRBS

"The Public Statues and Sculpture Association is most supportive of this exciting project to create an urban art trail in Grays, Thurrock. Public sculpture can have a positive effect on our lives and the Association feels this trail will be of great benefit both to the local community and to the wider public." Joanna Barnes and Holly Trusted

'Many people think that art is something elusive, unattainable, reserved for the privileged. This is not the case.

Art is for everyone, art is what we do as humans. Art touches on our identity, our sadness, our joy, art speaks to us and touches our hearts. Art transforms the way we think, evokes truths that are unequivocally personal and universal.

Our more than twenty years in practice as architects have taught us the invisible and invaluable role of art in public life.

We have delivered public regeneration projects ranging from civic buildings to public landscapes to infrastructures to small sculptures.

Whether it is for the tiny post-mining village of Doe Lea, or for the prestigious Grosvenor Square gardens,

the aspiration is the same, to unify the communities, to express their values, and to transform their places for a shared future."'

Anna Liu, Director of Tonkin Liu. Tonkin Liu are designing the regeneration of the riverside at Grays.