Jacqueline Hammond (http://jacquelinehammond.co.uk ), a renowned artist from leading Brighton art studio, JAG Gallery (http://www.jagartgallery.co.uk/), is urging Brighton & Hove Council to keep the freshly-painted Rainbow Crossing that was painted on Madeira Drive on [DATE]. The first of its kind in the UK, created to coincide with LGBT Pride Month, the Rainbow Crossing provides a notable tourist attraction while giving pedestrians a safe place to cross this busy part of the seafront. In support of the growing ‘Rainbow Crossing Forever’ campaign, the new attraction will TODAY [?] be adorned by colourful Art Print Deckchairs designed by Jacqueline Hammond for Smart Deco ( http://www.smartdeco-style.com/ ).
In just a few days, the social media-led Rainbow Crossing Forever campaign has gained a groundswell of support from Brighton residents and the LGBT community. The aim of the campaign is to retain the crossing beyond LGBT Pride Month, to aid road safety and to put the neglected east side of Brighton Pier back on the map. The Rainbow Crossing is proving extremely popular with visitors to Brighton and is literally stopping traffic.
The installation of the Rainbow Crossing also coincides with the release of the song ‘We Can Change’ by actress, musician and local resident, Helen Pearce. This song has been launched to celebrate LGBT Pride and champion equal rights. Says Jacqueline Hammond: “The Rainbow Crossing provides a potent symbol that is highly relevant to Brighton’s heritage as Britain’s LGBT capital. It should be allowed to remain in place.”
As part of the Rainbow Crossing Forever campaign, the crossing will TODAY [?] be adorned with Art Print Deckchairs from Jacqueline Hammond’s contemporary home-ware outlet, Smart Deco. The deckchairs will give visitors a moment to rest and enjoy the seafront panorama, before crossing the road safely. The Art Print Deckchairs feature scenic views reproduced on the canvas slings. One of the most popular designs – the ‘Life’s a Beach’ deckchair – depicts a bird’s eye view of Brighton seafront; another features an ‘Ultraviolet Jellyfish’. Says Jaqueline: “The Art Print Deckchairs are the perfect accompaniment to the Rainbow Crossing, both being vibrant and diverse.”
She adds: “The Rainbow Crossing is gaining a lot of attention. As well as providing a safe place to cross busy Madeira Drive, it is a striking feature when viewed from the promenade above. It could be an important new tourist attraction in this vibrant seaside city. The Rainbow Crossing could also bring considerable trade to the east side of the pier over summer months, if we can gain enough support to persuade Brighton & Hove Council not to remove it during the coming week.”
Caroline Lucas MP, a supporter of the campaign, said: “The Rainbow Crossing is a great tribute to the spirit of diversity and inclusiveness embraced by our city and it’s already clear that people really love it. I wholeheartedly support the campaign to keep the crossing, and was in touch with the Council at the beginning of the week to urge them to agree.” (see https://twitter.com/CarolineLucas/status/477227393493786624).
The rainbow – due for eradication by Brighton & Hove council stretches across Madeira Drive from the artist’s quarter. It was created by Caia Matheson, Zeezee TwentyTwo, Cassette, Lord Roach Photography, Inky Biscuits Ltd and Julieanne Guilburt.
To support the Rainbow Crossing campaign, people are being asked to Like and Share on social media and to upload their own photos of the crossing. Please see:
http://www.facebook.com/brightonrainbow
@brightonrainbowforever campaign
#Brightonrainbowcrossingforever
