Anonymous artist Banksy will reveal his closely-guarded identity in a sculpture commissioned for the Italian Gardens in Weston-super-Mare, the Mercury can exclusively reveal today (Saturday).
Political street artist Banksy was responsible for the Dismaland exhibition at the Tropicana in 2015, which gave the seafront venue a new lease of life.
Rather than letting this legacy go to waste, council leaders have been locked in top-secret negotiations with the elusive artist for months to have him create a new piece of work for the Town Square, which is currently being redesigned.
In the past few days, the Mercury understands an agreement has finally been reached, and Banksy has decided to reveal his identity by creating a sculpture of himself for the Italian Gardens.
“Leaving a legacy in Weston is important to Banksy,” a source told the Mercury this week.
Finding a location for the sculpture has not been easy, with the Tropicana itself and derelict Birnbeck Pier both making the shortlist.
One option from the outset was the Town Square area, which North Somerset Council is in the process of revamping, and this has proved to be the winning choice.
Once the site was agreed, the secret was out of the bag, as builders were told to leave a space for the commissioned work.
Leaders at the council expect the world’s media will once again descend on Weston – and once again, it will all be because of Banksy.
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