Banksy’s New Installation in Croydon: A Cultural Awakening

World-famous street artist Banksy has caused a stir in London this week after a new installation popped up in the southern borough of Croydon. A shop front on one of the town’s main thoroughfares, Church Street, now holds the name “Gross Domestic Product,” and its windows display a collection of new and familiar pieces by the anonymous artist.

There’s a crib surrounded by CCTV cameras, a rug seemingly made from the body of kids’ cereal character, Tony the Tiger, and a bullet-proof vest painted with a Union Jack, famously worn by Stormzy – a Croydon born-and-bred grime artist – at this year’s Glastonbury festival.

The shop will be open for a few weeks before an online auction takes place, where Banksy will sell off each of the displayed pieces to raise funds for a new migrant rescue boat aimed for the Mediterranean.

On the surface, this is an exciting time for Croydon – it’s a town that’s often the subject of jokes and has been associated with dangerous gang violence. Consequently, having such a high-profile artist shine a light on the area is thrilling for residents. However, many of us are not surprised; we have long recognized the virtues of this dynamic south London town, making it logical for Banksy to get involved in the local creative scene.

Street art has been an important aspect of Croydon’s culture long before Banksy arrived. Stunning works by Phlegm, whose Dali-esque paintings adorn the walls of many buildings across the UK, and Brighton-born Dotmasters also contribute to the local aesthetic. Furthermore, the 2018 street art festival involved creatives from around the globe, painting both permanent and temporary pieces in Croydon’s urban canvas. The local Rise Gallery has been an advocate for the local art scene for years.

Croydon has quietly nurtured a flourishing creative scene, boasting initiatives like the Art Club, where locals can bring their materials and find inspiration in a collaborative environment. Additionally, music collectives, such as the Croydon Composers, add to the artistic landscape. Furthermore, numerous music venues, including my friendly local pub, the homely Oval Tavern, host a diverse range of music and entertainment. Notably, the historic Fairfield Halls concert venue recently reopened after a significant renovation.

Opened by the Queen Mother in 1962, Fairfield has a rich history. Iconic artists like Stevie Wonder, Genesis, Pink Floyd, and The Beatles have graced its stage during the venue’s heyday, and live albums were recorded within its walls due to its exceptional acoustics. However, over the years, programming declined, leading to the venue’s closure in 2016 for much-needed renovations. Now, with more performance spaces than ever before, it is welcoming acts such as the Royal Philharmonic, Jimmy Carr, and the London Mozart Players.

This vibrant energy makes Croydonites proud – we openly celebrate our town’s identity, donning t-shirts that declare ‘Croydon vs the world’ and sipping from mugs that boast ‘Croydoners do it better’.

Additionally, Banksy’s installation becomes even more significant against the backdrop of rapid development in Croydon. Modern tower blocks filled with “affordable” housing are sprouting up, pushing many residents out, while plans for a Westfield shopping mall in the town center have led to widespread commercial closures.

At first glance, this development seems like positive progress, likely to boost Croydon’s own “gross domestic product.” However, it poses a threat to the creative institutions that have flourished for years. The community understands the toll gentrification can take on grassroots enterprises. The town center, unfortunately, has become a shadow of its former self, with numerous boarded-up shops and half-empty malls lying in wait for new developments.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Croydon’s future, one fact remains clear: creativity runs deep in this town. Regardless of the fate of shops and tower blocks, the vibrant local culture will continue to thrive long after Banksy’s store has closed.