Essex Art of the Roadz receives funding over £10,000

The Art of the Roadz series at The Minories has been awarded the case as part of Essex County Council’s arts and cultural fund for 2025.

Art of the Roadz was founded by Colchester musician, DJ, and podcaster Owen Louis who is also known as Project Lando, Sir Gassed of Gassed Clothing Co, and Emma Howe, director of The Minories.

It aims to encourage young people with talent and develop their skills, while those in the industry provide inspiration.

Music lovers - Owen Louis, Big Narstie and Sir Gassed (Image: Newsquest) So far, the event highlighted home grown talent and viral stars like rapper, author and TV presenter, Tyone Lindo, better known as Big Narstie, who headlined Art of the Roadz part two.

He also spoke to The Gazette after the event and revealed the city is where he “failed” his driving test.

Hip-hop and grime artist Devlin and viral artist M Dot R headlined the third Art of the Roadz.

Rapper Kak Hatt, who’s music has been heard by millions on TikTok, brought “wholesome moments” and “energy” to the crowd, to the fourth event on January 26.

Freestyle rap - members of the audience and rappers at Art of the Roadz (Image: Robert Cole) The Essex County Council funding will be received in April.

Mrs Howe said: “We know how competitive this fund is, and it feels amazing for our project to be recognised and supported.

“The idea behind this is to build a pipeline into the music industry for people who do not have the funds to purchase equipment themselves, whilst also giving young people a creative outlet and a safe place to go.”

According to The Minories boss, the £12,000 represents nearly half of the cost of running the whole project for a year, and the team will be applying to other funds to make up the balance.

Gallery boss - Emma Howe (Image: Mads Pierce) Mr Louis and Sir Gassed found out about the funding around three weeks ago after hearing from Mrs Howe.

The money will be used to continue the series of events and provide free rapping and lyric writing workshops for young people, as well as DJ workshops down the line by industry professionals.

Mr Louis said: “I am over the moon.

“It allows us to step into this next phase which is teaching people about the artists they see at our events.

“For me, it means we can move onto the next phase of Art of the Roadz, by doing more events but helping the community by holding workshops.

“The funding really allows us to push it forward earlier than we hoped and give people in the community access to it.

“It makes me more excited for the future and making Art of the Roadz a Colchester signpost for street art in all its forms.”

Art of the Roadz part five will take place on April 27 for free.