Women's safety mural unveiled on Ipswich Waterfront

Commissioned by Ipswich Borough Council's Safer Streets campaign, artist Catalina Carvajal worked with Art Eat Events to create the 34-metre-squared mural on Ipswich Waterfront.  

Ms Carvajal said she hopes the message behind the mural will resonate with passersby. 

“As a woman, this project is very close to my heart,” she said. “At first, I was worried about alienating people, particularly. But this project is for everyone, women as well as men.  

Catalina Carvajal said she is proud of the mural's powerful message. (Image: Newsquest)

“Working on it, I have had some very productive conversations, especially with older men.” 

With Art Eat Events, Ms Carvajal delivered a series of workshops to discuss the Safer Streets campaign. Clients, volunteers and members of staff from Lighthouse Women’s Aid, Suffolk Rape Crisis and Volunteering Matters were all eager to share ideas. 

Indeed, it was from these workshops that the painted text message exchange was suggested. Ms Carvajal said she hopes that this will spread awareness of the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative, which has the potential to save many people – not only women – from dangerous situations.  

“I was talking with a group of teenagers about the Ask for Angela design,” said Ms Carvajal.  

“At first, they were flippant, but I explained that this initiative is to help everyone.” 

The mural was completed over 10 days between April 15 and 24 2023 by Ms Carvajal, members of Art Eat and volunteers, including some of those who contributed their voice and ideas.  

Iona Hodgson is one of the co-director at Art Eat Events. She said: “Art Eat congratulates Catalina Carvajal for an impressive design, interpreting and amplifying the groups voices - on a very sensitive subject matter.  

“We’d like to say a special thank you to the groups that gave their time to the creative workshops. As well as the community safety team at Ipswich Borough Council for their support during this project.”