In this week's Stroud Against Racism column, Natalie Clifford discusses some of the graffiti in the town.

IN the past month, examples of racist graffiti - occasionally covert, often blatant and unapologetic - have popped up around Stroud, to the rightful disgust of many.

These include the defacement of a large BLM tag by a busy roundabout, and the awful display of privilege in the addition of the word ‘BORED’ in white lettering under the large bold ‘BLACK’ displayed opposite the Corner House.

In response, Stroud Against Racism have commissioned members and local artists Zed Macdonald, James Watts and Jimmy Critz to collaborate on a series of bright, positive images of hope and unity in an effort to counter the negative impact of the ugly, hateful aggressions seen previously.

This includes vivid, eye-catching artwork in shopfronts and a large-scale mural alongside the canal path at Brimscombe on wall space donated by Studio18, which will be visible from the Cheltenham-London train line.

Perhaps you’re questioning how these efforts can really make a difference to the wider problem of systemic racism in our area?

Perhaps you didn’t see the shameful imagery that has been appearing around Stroud and Gloucestershire?

Please try putting yourself in the shoes of someone without your white privilege - how would it make you feel to see the name of an infamous hate group, with the sole aim of oppressing and lynching people who look like YOU, appear in YOUR hometown, or on YOUR drive to work?

Then think- how would it make you feel to see a response like this, artwork of various sizes and styles popping up in your local area?

Our aim is to show our BAME residents and visitors that Stroud, as a community, stands in solidarity with you, and that we recognise your struggles and to signal to others with privilege that long overdue conversations desperately need to be had, and incorrect and damaging narratives desperately need to be changed.

Next are plans for a huge banner to be hung from Ecotricity.

SAR are enormously grateful to them for providing the space and partly funding this, however we’re appealing for help in raising the remaining £1,000 required. Details of how you can contribute will be posted at StroudAgainstRacism.co.uk and on our Facebook page.

To donate materials, wall or window space for further anti-racist artwork, please contact Zed by email: zed@zedintheclouds.uk.

By Natalie Clifford