Boring street furniture has been given a colourful transformation in a Norwich neighbourhood in recent months.

Project coordinator Kevin Parker thinks NR3 is the perfect place for artists to design and paint the telephone exchange cabinets. 

“There are seven sites in Sewell ward that are being painted," he explained.

Norwich Evening News: Kevin Parker, project coordinator is hopeful the project will grow in the summer Kevin Parker, project coordinator is hopeful the project will grow in the summer (Image: Kevin Parker)

“I am hoping to convince BT to release their cabinet locations for the majority of NR3 and coordinate a much larger project this summer.” 

But he said the project has done a lot to empower people to make art in the public sphere.  

And there are plans for some children to even have a crack at designing a box.   

Kevin dontinued: “It's about giving people the opportunity to participate and transform neighbourhoods in an independent way.” 

The most recent instalment has been designed and painted by NR3 artist Ella Goodwin who has been an illustrator and designer for more than 10 years.  

Norwich Evening News: Ella describes her style as very whimsical Ella describes her style as very whimsical (Image: Ella Goodwin)

The artist describes her work as whimsical, joyful and uplifting which translates into the street art.  

She said: “I work from my home studio and wanted to do more projects that were on a bigger scale.  

“I painted one of the GoGo dinosaurs last year and enjoyed it which made me want to do more of this kind of thing.  

“In times such as they are right now, I think colour and community are much needed.” 

Cats are the city artist's trademark, so they are included, and rabbits to signify the Chiese year of the rabbit.  

Norwich Evening News: Ella Goodwin has been designing and illustrating for more than ten years Ella Goodwin has been designing and illustrating for more than ten years (Image: Ella Goodwin)

She said: “The title is ‘Meow for the Now’, a manifesto for living in the moment, being kind and enjoying the small things in life that are on our doorsteps.” 

It is also a nod to the many NR3 cats.  

But the art is not quite finished yet.  

Norwich Evening News: The work in progress features rabbits, cats and the moon - which are things that inspire Ella The work in progress features rabbits, cats and the moon - which are things that inspire Ella (Image: Ella Goodwin)

Ella said: “I like the idea that it is slowly coming to life, more flowers and foliage will appear on it as it grows and as we move into the new year.” 

More artwork is expected to be added so city folk are encouraged to go out and look for them.  

Norwich Evening News: The box is expected to be completed in the next two weeks The box is expected to be completed in the next two weeks (Image: Ella Goodwin)