CIVIC chiefs hope the finished Upside Gallery street art project in Bournemouth's Central Gardens will build on the town's "national reputation for innovation and creativity.’’

The project, which was conceived by Bournemouth-based Paintshop Studio and supported by Arts Council England, showcases the diversity of street art.

Over a two-week period, eleven local and national artists turned the pillars that support the Wessex Way into a vibrant outdoor mural gallery.

BCP Council deputy leader Mark Howell said: “The Upside Gallery has transformed a characterless space into a world-class public open-air art gallery accessible to all.

"Showcasing a range of nationally renowned artists and their styles, we hope that the gallery will build on Bournemouth’s national reputation for innovation and creativity.’’

Much like a traditional gallery, future visitors will be able to find out more via signage and QR codes which are installed next to each piece of art.

The mobile gallery guide created in partnership with local digital agency Greenwood Campbell, enables a handover between the art and the artists' profiles online.

Artist Rick Walker, project curator and co-founder of Paintshop Studio, says he has been overwhelmed by the support of both the council and the local community.

He added: "We have had so much support from local people, and seeing the project come together has been an incredible feeling for the whole team.

"The project has been created with a true passion for the area and to see it being embraced after initial doubts is fantastic."

The completion of The Upside Gallery project was celebrated with a launch party at Tonic Social under Bournemouth’s Hilton Hotel at the end of September.

Guests enjoyed drinks and canapes, a live art demonstration, and making of footage and photography from video production partner, Live Work Visit.

The Upside Gallery joins Paintshop Studio’s other pieces of outdoor art in Bournemouth, and is a testament to the efforts of the creative community in Bournemouth which include the widely recognised four-story mural on Lansdowne Road and the brightening up of the St. Swithun’s underpass in Bournemouth which connects Bournemouth Train Station and the town centre.

Project manager and Paintshop Studio co-founder Sandra Ramos said: “This project would not have been possible without the belief, passions, skills and generosity of all our project partners – Arts Council England, Greenwood Campbell, Live Work Visit, Tonic Social, Sunny Bird PR and Me & You Studio.

"We would like to extend a special thanks to BCP Council who have given us the permission and freedom to transform this site into something special.”