Banksy in Hastings not considered “graffiti” by city officials

Posted: August 27th, 2010 | Author: | Category: Art News, Photos | Tags: | 1 Comment »

I wasn’t planning to make much mention of Banksy‘s latest work (the above stencil which can be found at a beach in Hastings). As usual though, it seems the story surrounding the art is more interesting than the piece itself: The Hastings graffiti removal squad will be leaving Banksy’s work alone. Not something entirely new from town councils. What I really love about Hastings though is what councilor Jay Kramer has said about the situation:

I think this is great.

I know that we have a zero tolerance policy on graffiti, and that is absolutely right. However, we have to be flexible so on this occasion I have agreed that Banksy can be an exception to our rule and can stay.

So, the town has a zero-tolerance policy on graffiti (and presumably street art too) except in cases where the work is an instant tourist attraction. In those cases, the policy is not so zero-tolerance. That’s a “Banksy-tolerance” policy, and that’s a pretty short-sighted way of doing things.

Via Banksy Prints

Photo by world of emma

Related posts:

  1. Jay “J.SON” Edlin’s GRAFFITI 365 Presents an Ambitious Survey of Graffiti & Street Art
  2. A successful Banksy (oh and Banksy updated his website)
  3. Banksy complains the old-fashioned way
  4. Banksy hits LA
  5. Banksy news update

  • http://Website Emma bryant

    Your right, the Hastings council are going to have to make a decision on wether they embrace street art or they banish it.
    There is currently an on going dispute about a pub called ‘The tub man’ a local artist has basically done a huge mural on the front and the council are demanding it be removed because it’s seen as advertising, and there happens to be a freaky looking skull that just so happens is opposite a nursing home!! It’s not to everyones taste, but hey! That’s art.
    Hastings has also been blessed with lots of Eine street art too, and funnily enough since the gift to Obama, they have turned a blind eye. Come on Hastings borough council, make up your minds….there’s some amazing talent out there. Let it shine on our streets….