Perth is bidding for Instagram stardom with plans for a huge mural designed by pop icon Taylor Swift’s favourite street artist.
Council bosses are in talks with US-based Kelsey Montague about creating an eye-catching artwork in the city centre, The Courier can reveal.
The social media favourite saw her popularity explode earlier this year when singer Swift commissioner her to create a mural in Nashville.
You helped me find my voice as an artist and opened up my path. Thank you Taylor @taylorswift13 pic.twitter.com/fz70VBFv4c
— Kelsey Montague (@kelsmontagueart) April 25, 2019
Montague is known for her kaleidoscopic butterfly wing designs, which have appeared on the walls of cities such as New York and Beueos Aries.
The 33-year-old’s work has also been displayed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, just around the corner from the White House.
The display planned for Perth, on Bridge Lane, Mill Street, would be her first permanent artwork in the UK.
The project is part of the multi-million-pound City of Light project, which aims to illuminate landmark buildings and breathe new life into side streets and alleyways.
Scottish artists Elizabeth Ogilvie and Rob Page were tasked with creating an animated installation on another part of Mill Street earlier this year.
In papers lodged with Perth and Kinross Council’s planning office, City Development Project Officer Alan Farnington said the mural would provide an “interactive attraction for visitors, residents and workers”.
He described Montague as “a well-travelled muralist” who “emerged as one of the most admired artists on social media with over 150,000 followers on Instagram.”
He said: “One of the biggest reasons behind Kelsey’s popularity among the younger generation is that she encourages them to express themselves on social media through her art.
“Kelsey has works displayed all over the world, but to date no sites of permanent works in the UK.
“Subsequently, this provides Perth with an opportunity to be showcased as well as that of her art work.”
Mr Farnington said the two Mill Street pieces would be part of a new project called Perth Arteries, with a logo designed by Wayne Hemingway.
More public art is planned for Kirkgate and the Guard Vennel.
A draft design for Montague’s mural has been drawn up, but the final piece will only be decided once she has had the chance to visit the site for herself.
The council still requires advertising consent before any work can progress on the site.
