A collective of local artists has been commissioned to deliver a new piece of public art, which launched yesterday (Wednesday 18 September). Led by street artist Michael Batchelor, the new artwork resides in the Atrium of Skydome, as part of a recent investment into Coventry’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, as it celebrates its 20thanniversary.
The new work was commissioned by Colliers International, on behalf of the landlord, to promote the city of Coventry and provide a new focal point for the venue. Skydome is home to Genting Casinos, Harvester, JD Wetherspoons, JJ’s Coventry, Odeon Cinema, Planet Ice and the 3,000-seater arena, and Puregym. It comes as part of significant investment into the location, including a full rebrand, new website, and the introduction of Guest Services.
The artwork is a focal point of Skydome’s anniversary celebrations and was created by Batchelor, also known as dynamickart, along with local artists Andy Clare and Katie O’Sullivan. It took a week to create, with the trio celebrating Coventry’s history and industry with the aerosol and marker pen creation, and now covers the right side of Skydome’s atrium, leading through to the car park corridor.
Speaking about his latest work, Batchelor said:
“I was inspired by a collection of Coventry pictures my nan had and different facts that visitors might not know about the city. So, we used freehand spray paint and marker pen to create our own version of the idea.”
Adorning the walls of Skydome’s Atrium, the artwork celebrates the city’s heritage; from historical figures like Lady Godiva and St Michael, to ska stars The Selecter and The Specials. Brands Triumph Motorcycles and Jaguar also feature alongside landmarks such as the Cathedral and Skydome itself.
The new brand was unveiled at a celebratory launch event that saw local retailers, partners and dignitaries join Colliers International, who have instructed the work. The Lord Mayor, Councillor Linda Bigham, joined the celebration and talked about the importance or celebrating the city’s rich heritage.
Speaking at the launch, Liz Steele, Associate Director at Colliers International, comments:
“It’s fantastic to finally unveil this new look for Skydome; a brand that promotes the leisure and entertainment destination as the placeto eat, drink, dance and relax. The work of Michael and the artists has really brought our vision to life and has provided the city with something that celebrates Coventry’s people and culture.
Over the past few months, we have worked closely with The Jade Studio to develop this new concept and celebrate what Skydome has to offer. The venue welcomes 40,000 people a week; from regular gym goers to families looking for a great night out, through to international sports fans who come to watch the ice hockey; we have so much happening under one roof and we wanted to encompass that across our on-site branding and digital identity. We have launched a new website and social media channels, making it even easier to plan your visit, and this is just the start… we have even more investment planned for2020. For now, I urge Coventry to keep visiting Skydome for great times all round!”
To find out more about the restaurants, leisure and nightlife – and to plan your visit – head to the website: www.theskydome.co.uk.