A familiar piece of Hamilton’s public art landscape has been given new life, as the City of Hamilton completes the restoration of the Bermuda Flag mural at No. 1 Car Park on Front Street.
The restoration forms part of the City’s VIVID: City of Hamilton Public Art Initiative, which aims to enliven public spaces throughout Hamilton while connecting residents and visitors with Bermuda’s art, culture and creative community.
Originally created by The Chewstick Foundation on November 15, 2015, the Bermuda Flag mural stretches along the rear wall of the restroom building at No. 1 Car Park. More than 20 community volunteers helped create the original artwork, which was designed as a celebration of Bermuda’s national identity, culture and community pride.
More than a decade later, the City engaged The Chewstick Foundation to restore the mural, with Deidra-Lee Bean serving as project lead.
In keeping with the mural’s community roots, Chewstick also invited members of the public to take part in its restoration. Touch-up sessions were held on Wednesdays during Harbour Nights, giving passers-by the opportunity to contribute directly to the artwork and help restore a piece of Hamilton’s cultural landscape. Additional restoration work also took place on weekends.
The City’s Marketing Coordinator Mrs. Talisa McGlashan said the project reflects VIVID’s wider commitment to supporting Bermuda’s creative community while ensuring existing public artworks continue to enhance the City.
“The VIVID Public Art Initiative is committed to working with Bermuda’s local arts organisations and independent artists to curate and implement public art installations throughout Hamilton,” Mrs. McGlashan said. “Restoring existing works is an important part of that commitment, allowing us to preserve pieces that have become part of the City’s identity while continuing to support the artists and organisations behind them.
“Public art elevates Hamilton beyond being simply a place of commerce and activity. It creates opportunities for people to engage with their surroundings, celebrates Bermuda’s creativity and culture, and contributes to our mandate of maintaining a vibrant City.”
The City assesses its existing murals internally, taking into consideration factors including the condition of the artwork and the availability of the original artist or organisation. The City’s goal is to undertake approximately one mural restoration each year as part of its ongoing public art programme.
Previously known as the City Arts Festival, VIVID facilitates new public art installations and collaborations with Bermuda’s arts community while also maintaining and celebrating existing works.
For more information about public art in Hamilton and to explore the City Art Tour, visit the City of Hamilton website at cityofhamilton.bm.
