A new five-part series titled "The Banksy Story - When Banksy Comes To Town" is set to debut on BBC Radio 4 on 7 April, promising to share the compelling and often unexpected experiences of individuals who have discovered Banksy artworks on their properties. Hosted by Banksy enthusiast James Peak, the show will feature interviews with residents from Lowestoft in Suffolk and Margate in Kent, who recount their unique encounters with the renowned street artist's work.
Among the stories to be featured is that of an individual in Lowestoft who found a mural depicting a seagull diving into a skip and stealing giant chips. This particular piece was part of Banksy’s "Great British Staycation" collection, designed to capture the unique character of British seaside towns. Another interviewee will reveal their experience of discovering the "Valentine’s Day Mascara" artwork, which emerged in Margate in 2023. This striking piece includes stencilled images, a frying pan, and a chest freezer, drawing attention to the serious issue of domestic violence.
Presenter James Peak expressed his excitement about the series, stating, "The aftermath of a Banksy incident is always dramatic, unpredictable and perhaps a bit bonkers in how local people, the media and the art world all react." He added that the show aims to explore the unexpected joys and challenges that come with becoming a custodian of one of Banksy's creations. Peak also highlighted the depth of insight the series aims to provide into what it means for a local community when a Banksy artwork appears, referencing the surprising revelations encountered throughout the production process.
Joining Peak is Steph Warren, who brings 25 years of experience from the underground street art scene to the programme. Together, they plan to delve deeper into Banksy's so-called "secret world," offering listeners a richer understanding of the artist’s influence on local communities.
The series will also examine the financial implications of owning a Banksy piece, a topic of interest given that many of the artist's works have sold for millions at auction. Following the success of the previous series, "The Banksy Story," which chronicled the artist's ascent to fame, this new exploration shifts focus to the community response that accompanies Banksy's creations.
Daniel Clarke, the commissioning editor for the series, stated, “In the first smash hit series, we gave a glimpse behind the scenes of Banksy’s rise to fame – we’re now turning our attention to the frenzy which can take over an entire community when Banksy comes to town.” He noted the allure of understanding the complexities that arise when a Banksy artwork surfaces, particularly from the perspective of those who find themselves at the heart of the event.
Listeners can expect the first episode to air on BBC Radio 4 on Monday, 7 April, with the complete box set available on BBC Sounds for those interested in delving into the unfiltered narratives of those whose lives have intersected with Banksy's art. This programme is anticipated to contribute valuable perspectives on the relationship between street art and community life.
Source: Noah Wire Services