The Gateway Project at Ely Underpass, is welcoming new young artists to contribute to graffitied artwork on a final wall as part of project's third phase.
On Tuesday 21 July, between 10am and 3pm, at the Gateway Underpass, Ely Leisure Village, ‘Kilo’ and Splash and Dash Creations will be on site throughout the day. Graffiti artist Nicola 'CRY' will also return to create artwork on the final wall, marking the beginning of the project's final stage.
Around 45 Ely College students will take part in free graffiti taster sessions facilitated by graffiti artist Kilo, Splash and Dash Creations Ltd, and young people who have previously participated in the project.
East Cambridgeshire residents are invited to visit the site on 21 July to see the artwork in progress, learn more about the project's journey, and discover how the final phase will create Ely's first ‘Free Wall’. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet the artists, project partners and young people involved in this exciting initiative.
A second event will be held on Saturday 5 September, when The Gateway team will officially launch the City of Ely's first ‘Free Wall’ – a space where anyone can create their own graffiti artworks in line with project guidance and agreed themes. The Free Wall will be monitored and managed by the Gateway project team.
Visitors on 21 July will have the opportunity to watch guest artists create new artwork exploring the theme of "The positive image of young people". There will also be a chance to learn more about the expectations and opportunities associated with the Free Wall, ahead of its launch in September.
The Gateway Project has been delivered over three phases. Phase One saw Ely College students work with Kilo and Splash and Dash Creations Ltd over an eight-week period, learning graffiti art techniques and creating artwork on boards that were later installed within the underpass.
The installation day also included around 50 free graffiti workshops for young people. During this phase, guest artists Nicola CRY and Kilo created large-scale artworks on the underpass wings.
Phase Two involved a new cohort of Ely College students who visited a Free Wall project in Peterborough for inspiration and learning. The young people developed the theme, design, and interactive elements before working with Kilo to create the space-themed artwork on the right-hand wing of the underpass.
This final phase will complete the transformation of the site through the creation of the Free Wall, ensuring the project continues to benefit local artists and young people long after the project has been completed.
Cllr Alison Whelan, Chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "The Gateway Project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when young people, artists, businesses and community organisations come together with a shared vision.
"The introduction of Ely's first Free Wall is an exciting legacy for the project. It will provide a safe and positive space for artistic expression, while continuing to celebrate the talent, creativity and positive contribution of young people in our city.
"This work reinforces our ambition to build strong and connected communities, while providing valuable opportunities for children and young people to learn new skills, develop confidence and express their creativity in their local areas."
Lis Every, Chair of the East Cambs Community Safety Partnership, added: "The Gateway Project demonstrates how investing in young people and providing positive opportunities can make a real difference to our communities. By giving young people a creative outlet and involving them directly in transforming a public space, we are helping to build a stronger sense of ownership, pride and respect for the places we all share.
“The creation of Ely's first Free Wall is an innovative way of encouraging artistic expression in a safe and managed environment, while reducing unwanted graffiti and fostering positive relationships between young people, local partners and the wider community. The Community Safety Partnership is proud to support a project that brings people together and leaves a lasting benefit for Ely.”
Cllr Rebecca Denness, Mayor of the City of Ely Council, said: “What a wonderful project this is! Youngsters being given the opportunity to create art for permanent display near the leisure village that was established with them in mind.
“It's appropriate that our youngsters contribute their creative skills to decorate the underpass that forms the entrance to the village. I'm grateful to them for their terrific work.
“Now, whilst this art is welcome, that's not the case for all graffiti in the City. If you live opposite a wall or a phone cabinet that serves as a canvas, it can be miserable to dreadful work displayed, sometimes offensive. If you'd like to report graffiti, please don't contact City of Ely Council, but report it to the Council responsible for removing it, East Cambridgeshire District Council, via their reporting system. Let's keep Ely beautiful.”
The Gateway Project has been funded through Ely City Council's Community Infrastructure Levy Sub-Committee. Contributions of expertise, time and resources have been provided by artists Nicola CRY and Kilo, Cambridgeshire County Council', East Cambridgeshire District Council, the Community Safety Partnership, Ely Tool Hire, and The Hive Leisure Centre.
Some of the young artists involved in the project’s earlier phases were recognised in December 2025 through Cambridgeshire County Council's Young People's Voice Awards, which celebrate young people who use their voice and creativity to bring about positive change in their communities.
