In October 2009 CIDA sent out a call for artists to cover 54m2 of builders hoarding around the grade 1 listed building the ‘Jamme Masjid’ (Jamme Mosque), which was closed to traffic - between the junction of Fournier Street and Princelet Street.

13 creatives from different artistic backgrounds including painting, drawing, photography, stencilling, graffiti and mosaic were selected to take part providing them with a fantastic opportunity to promote their work, as well as developing a sense of ownership and involvement of local people in the development process of the area.

In celebration of 10 years of creative and cultural support from CIDA to the arts sector in East London, on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 November the 13 different pieces of work were completed. What was once a gloomy passage way is now stimulating and inspiring.

“I found making public art on a large scale to be an exciting opportunity. I think it’s important that CIDA exists to make things like this happen. Now I want to do another art work - twice as big!” Lewis Campbell MA RCA (www.lostmonkey.eu)

“During the day spent preparing the artwork, I was struck by the conversations that were taking place about the artwork, exchanges of ideas and interpretations about the work. Strong opinions, vibrant characters. The healthy clash of culture and creativity which is very much a part of East London life”. Kevin Helas (www.rogerlondon.com)

This development was part of the Brick Lane Cultural Trail of which some £1.85million is being invested to create a cultural trail that that will rejuvenate the area, by encouraging inward investment and increased business. The recession-busting trail will encourage visitors to explore the borough, leading them through the heart of Banglatown.

This was the first of a proposed on-going programme that will involve commissioning site-specific art works for hoarding.

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