The Peacock mural celebrates the Marching Out Together campaign: the community “paving the way for an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ fans at Leeds United Football Club (LUFC)”.
Internationally recognised artist Jay Gilleard, Cbloxx, has taken the mural from concept to creation and has unveiled their work today in Leeds city centre.
Celebrating the Leeds-based ‘Marching Out Together’ group, East Street Arts, the leading artist-led arts charity in the city, and Leeds United Football Club teamed up to commission the mural to show the progress the club has made, the safe spaces they offer and the incredible community of LGBTQ+ supporters.
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Organisers have commented: “the focus of The Peacock is to bring a union of football, art and queer culture into the limelight. Cbloxx’s intention is to deliver an image that would both honour the lengthy heritage of LUFC, whilst celebrating the diversity of its fans and the important work of Marching Out Together”.
The Marching Out Together group now has over 300 members, and chose Cbloxx, a Huddersfield-born and celebrated internationally as a multi-disciplined muralist, painter, music producer and co-founder of street art duo, Nomad Clan, as the perfect artist to complete the mural.
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Speaking about their work with East Street Arts, Leeds United and Marching Out Together, Cbloxx said:
”It’s an honour to be painting back in a place I used to call home. Leeds has always rallied for liberalism, equality, and multiplicity, its cultural significance is something to remain incredibly proud of. Speaking personally, football at its very best is a cohesive healer when it champions diversity. Football signifies a unification, the Leeds chant ‘All Leeds Aren’t We’ speaks volumes and is a wonderful sentiment to start ideas flowing around LGBTQI inclusivity.
“The core thematic of The Peacock really is Pride, what is more sassy and full of pride than a peacock? Its otherworldly flamboyance, confidence and striking visuals made it a focal point no brainer.
“To convey the notion of activism, protest and visibility I borrowed aesthetics from the old coal mining embroidered flags, which echo the typical northern working class heritage that is so often celebrated in my work. It’s hard to not be inspired by your own ancestry! The elegance and creativity executed in the banners really highlight the ornate features of the building, so that it adds to its aesthetic beautifully.
“With The Peacock I hope to echo the sentiments of ‘Marching Out Together’, take some visible space for LGBTQI football fans and spread a wider message of solidarity and togetherness.”
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The mural will sweep across the side of East Street Arts Studio building adjoining York Road, inspiring hope and change to 68,000 people passing by each day.
Feature Image- @spraydaysofficial
