Artist chosen to create stunning design to revitalise town centre 

Gifted artist Catalina Carvajal has been chosen to create eye-catching banners which celebrate Dovercourt town centre and support its rejuvenation.

Respected arts organisation the Harwich Festival of the Arts put out a call to creatives to draw up designs for vibrant, spectacular banners as part of the High Street Accelerator Programme.

The project challenged artists to come up with designs to make the town centre a more attractive place to visit while also linking with the theme of revitalisation.

Now Catalina’s vision has been chosen as the winning design, beating stiff competition from other accomplished artists in the area.

Catalina, who lives in Manningtree, works as a graphic illustrator, muralist and visual artist, used to spend her holidays in Dovercourt and set up a studio at the Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre two years ago.

Her work is known for its strong use of colour, bold compositions and dazzling designs which are both visually engaging and culturally relevant. Her designs for the banners draw on inspiration from the town’s heritage and its aspirations.

The designs will now be made into banners which will be fitted to streetlights in Dovercourt town centre and give the town a distinctive brand.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, Tendring District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “We are delighted with the winning design for the Dovercourt High Street banners.  The standard of entries was exceptional and we are sure the winning submission will contribute to the fantastic on-going revitalisation of the High Street.

“Once completed, the banners will be dynamic and spectacular, adding a new dimension to this up -and-coming area. We are confident it will add to the work to make Dovercourt High Street a better place to visit and spend time, encouraging visitors to stay longer and instil a sense of pride in the area.”

The Dovercourt High Street Accelerator Programme is one of ten pilot schemes nationwide which have been awarded funding to support High Street businesses. The town has been allocated £737,000 which is being used to make Dovercourt High Street more attractive for residents and visitors.

The High Street Accelerator programme has also championed the Shopfront and Interior Improvement Grant Scheme giving retailers money to invest in refurbishments and is offering a retail unit for a year for a peppercorn rent in order to help a new business get off the ground.

High Street Accelerator funds will also be used to strengthen transport links between the seafront, the High Street and park spaces, while green spaces will be added to the town’s retail areas and access routes into the town centre.

Photo credit: Mikaela Rackham