An artificial intelligence-generated mural that appeared on the side of the Jolly Colliers pub in Bedminster, Bristol, has been pulled down following intense criticism from local artists and residents. The vinyl artwork, which went up on Wednesday, featured familiar local landmarks such as hot air balloons and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Bristol Pub Strips Down AI Mural After Sharp Neighborhood Backlash
The Heart of Europe’s Largest Street Art Festival
The site of the removal sits directly within the district that hosts Europe’s largest street art festival, Upfest. Bristol is renowned for its street art.
A ‘Disrespectful Affront’ to a Thriving Creative Scene
Before the mural was taken down, community frustration was made visible when an unnamed resident taped a letter to the building. The letter described the AI-generated display as a “disrespectful affront” to a city full of creatives and accused the property owners of “laziness.”
Independent artists speaking to the BBC similarly characterized the installation as a “careless and rushed” piece.
Punch Pubs & Co Promises Local Collaboration
Punch Pubs & Co, the company that owns the pub, stated through a spokesperson that the AI mural had only been a “temporary solution.”
The company noted they were working with local artists to replace it, adding that they had nothing further to add to their initial statement.