Giant mural brightens Newcastle’s Quayside

A cultural hotspot in Newcastle has been transformed by a huge summer street art display.

NE1 has unveiled its annual 90-metre hand-painted mural on Newcastle’s Quayside, turning a former bus lane near Wesley Square into one of the UK’s largest temporary street art pieces. 

This year’s mural was created by international visual artists HalfStudio, Portuguese duo Mariana Branco and Emanuel Barreira, whose vibrant design adds fresh colour to the riverside.

Mariana and Emaniel said: “This floor mural draws inspiration from the movement of the River Tyne and the energy of Newcastle’s ever-evolving identity. 

“The bold typography flows across the Quayside like a current, surrounded by dynamic colour fields and rhythmic wave forms. 

“Echoing the city’s bridges and industrial past, the design reflects a sense of motion, adaptability and the spirit of going forward together.

“It’s been great to spend time in Newcastle while working on this piece. 

“There’s a real energy to the Quayside, and people have been so warm and curious throughout the process. 

“That spirit really fed into the work. 

“We wanted to create something that feels rooted in the city, something that moves with it rather than just sitting in place. 

“The River Tyne, the bridges, the rhythm of the area all shaped the mural. 

“It’s about flow, change, and how Newcastle keeps moving forward together.”

Installed ahead of NE1’s Summer in the City programme, which features over 75 free events, the mural provides a striking backdrop for visitors throughout the summer months. 

It also sets the scene for major upcoming events including the Red Bull Tyne Ride and the Great North Run.

Louise Debnam, placemaking project manager at NE1, added: “2025 is the first year I have worked with the team to deliver this project and I’m thrilled to have helped create such a bold and vibrant addition to the iconic Quayside. 

“Working with international artists like HalfStudio demonstrates how Newcastle can stand toe-to-toe with other cosmopolitan cities with its bold and ambitious creative installations.

“There were lots of interesting submissions, but ‘Go with the flow’ was chosen because it is very appropriate for the site. 

“The spirit of moving forward is a strong sentiment that we’re passionate about at NE1. 

“It’s been a pleasure working with the team at HalfStudio, UNIT44 and The London Mural Company, as well as businesses in the area, without whose support this wouldn’t be possible.” 

NE1 commissions a new artist annually to refresh the Quayside’s look and complement the city’s iconic scenery and events. 

Previous artists include Dutch creator Oflines, Sheffield’s Andy Welland and local favourite Mul. 

Art curators UNIT44, based in Newcastle, have collaborated with NE1 on the project for the last four years.

Danny Hughes, curator director at UNIT44, added: “It has been truly amazing to curate these Quayside installs, to partner with The London Mural Company, and to return year after year with a different take on the space. 

“HalfStudio have been on our radar for some time, and to finally be able to collaborate on this typographical chapter of the Wesley Square chronicles fills me with joy. 

“It’s the first time we’ve been so bold and literal with the messaging, and "go with the flow” fits perfectly as the river winds through this part of the city. 

“Words can transcend art, and can be easier to grasp in their placement, allowing the viewer to project their own meaning, taking home something personal and unique. 

“Be it people on their commute, exercising, or simply enjoying the city, the sentiment changes with the context. 

“And that’s beautiful.”

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