Residents in Smalltown were surprised to see a number of signs displaying cryptic messages pinned to lamp posts in the area.
The signs, which pose the question ‘Whatever Next?’, are part of a campaign by the Chalk and Crayon Collective who say they want to change the public perception of art.
“Art is not a criminal offence. We want to break free from the shackles of censorship and political interference to allow all residents to have access to art. Power to the People.
We went out way past our bedtime to place these signs around Smalltown, despite the Smalltown and Dullbridge (SaD) Town Council Smalltown New Administration Guru (SNAG) Katie Global telling us not to. She said it is “Fly posting”.
She also passed on a message from the SaDTC Mayor and Headmistress Kelsey Dullard who told us “Now come along boys and girls, let’s not litter the streets of our lovely town with signs. I’m sure the head of your Art Department wouldn’t be too pleased with your behaviour.”
This is censorship. We won’t be censored. It’s time for all citizens to rise up and stick signs everywhere. We promise to remove all the signs soon.”
However, shortly after the signs appeared a SaD Town Handy Man was spotted removing them and placing them in the back of his truck. He told SomersetClive “I don’t know what it’s all about. The SNAG sent me out with instructions to remove them and that’s what I’m doing. I’m a bit cross about it if I’m honest, because I have better things to do with my time. Like sit in my van and eat my sandwiches, read the paper or drink tea.”
The Chalk and Crayon Collective responded to the news by creating a new piece of artwork which was placed overnight. The ‘ObliviBIN‘ appeared in Main Street, together with a further message to Smalltown and Dullbridge Town Council.
“SaDTC insist art should be hidden so we have created the ObliviBIN as a place for them to store art. They seek to divide and control us. This is not acceptable. Our art was never going to have a political message, its aim was to bring joy to the masses.
The Town Council has proved yet again that they are a bunch of old dinosaurs who are opposed to anyone having fun. This is not acceptable. Power to the People.”
Cllr. Dullard responded “It’s all a bit of a storm in a teacup, isn’t it? “
Meanwhile the question remains – ‘Whatever Next?’