MP’s dismay after charity calls for podcast on anti-racist mural to be removed from Conservative Party website

Paul Bristow recently spoke to artist Nathan Murdoch for his ‘Beans with Bristow’ podcast in order to hear more about an anti-racism mural he created in November 2019.

Nathan created the huge piece depicting two people of different races shaking hands - with their arms forming a heart shape - onto the wall in an underpass at Taverners Road after he was commissioned by Diaspora Arts and Education Charity Peterborough.

The charity, which aims to use the arts to promote unity and celebrate multiculturalism, reached out to Nathan after the underpass had been defaced by swatikas and other racist graffiti, and his stunning artwork was even picked up in America following the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota in May which sparked global outrage.

However, after hearing Nathan speaking to Mr Bristow on his podcast, Diaspora issued a lengthy statement denouncing the fact that the interview was being aired on a Conservative Party website.

The statement on Facebook issued on Tuesday morning reads: “We did not have any warning about our charity being represented by the local Conservative Party, nor were we told about it from the artist we commissioned and our charity was not consulted afterwards.

“We did not give permission for this to be published. We ask that the people understand that we take racism seriously. This work was to bring togetherness and celebrate unity.”

The statement adds: “Our unifying approach and civil action with the community was why this work was commissioned by the charity. We wanted it to be right and Nathan did a great piece for us. We are always grateful for that.

“Our work was given to the public. We stand for equality and do not minimalise or exclude anyone but we do seek permission before embarking on our publicity. But we weren’t even alerted by the publisher our MP. We from Diaspora Arts do not ally ourselves thus. We try to do our best for our country, our community and holistically help the most vulnerable, who we will always put central.”

Responding to comments below the post, some of which were critical, the charity said its concern was potentially being linked to a political party.

It said: “We only asked for it to be taken down from a political party site. Anyone having read our statement can see we mean no disrespect to anyone.”

Mr Bristow said: “I am upset and disappointed by the post.

“This podcast is not party political and I always make that point clearly. Indeed, I have interviewed quite a few exceptional people from Peterborough and some, including Nathan, indicate they would not naturally consider themselves Conservatives. But this is about showcasing incredible people in Peterborough with incredible stories.

“I think we do community cohesion well in Peterborough and that is proven by why so many are welcoming of this type of street art. I am not saying racism doesn’t exist, but we should celebrate when we do well and, of course, challenge where there are issues.

“I have emailed the charity offering to talk about this but have yet to hear from them. Their aims and work are clearly good and they were pleased when I came to see the art work earlier this year.

“People who take issue with me or my political party should direct their comments to me and not Nathan. Can I respectfully request that people listen to the podcast and make up their own mind.”

Nathan, director of Street Arts Hire, is well known in Peterborough.

An earlier artwork he created in tribute to The Prodigy singer Keith Flint in the subway near the Amazon warehouse was seen by thousands of people across the globe.

He posted on social media: “Can people listen to the podcast and give me an honest opinion if I did something wrong. I did it with the best interests of my city, regardless of whose party represents us. Surely we have to work together for the greater good?”

He added: “I will no longer be undertaking activities with Diaspora charity but I wish them all the best in the future.”

The Peterborough Telegraph has approached Nathan and Diaspora to see if they wish to comment further.

The podcast can be heard at: https://www.paulbristow.org.uk/news/podcast-anti-racist-mural-superstar-street-artist.