If you’ve wandered past the State Cinema recently, you’ve probably noticed something new bringing colour and energy to the High Street. A striking series of Art Deco–inspired murals has appeared on the hoardings—an eye-catching celebration of the building’s heritage, reimagined through contemporary street art.
Commissioned by the State’s owner, Naveed Ahmad, and developed and managed by Arts Outburst, the project set out to capture the spirit of the cinema’s iconic 1930s design in a fresh, modern way. Street artist Scotty Irving (Brave Arts) took the lead, creating sweeping geometric patterns, Deco-inspired figures and subtle architectural references that nod to the building’s past without replicating it.
The artwork has been created by Essex-based street artist Scotty Irving from Brave Arts, known for his bold large-scale murals, youth engagement projects and creative placemaking work across the region. Scotty’s style blends graphic precision with expressive spray techniques—perfect for bringing the State’s Deco lines and rhythms back to life.
A highlight of the project has been the involvement of young people from Arts Outburst’s Urban Motion programme. Working directly alongside Scotty, they contributed ideas, techniques and hands-on painting—bringing a vibrant street-art edge to the work while gaining practical experience in public art and placemaking.
Scotty Irving (Brave Arts) said:
“The feedback from the public today (and yesterday) has been brilliant. People are really pleased to see the hoardings being brightened up. So many stories about personal histories and memories. The building is clearly still really important to people in Grays.”
Reflecting on the collaboration, Arts Outburst’s Artistic Director & CEO, Daryl Branch, said:
“This artwork is a beautiful tribute to the State’s heritage and a powerful signal of what creative partnerships can achieve in Thurrock. Working with Naveed and seeing Scotty bring this concept to life with such brilliant input from our Urban Motion young people, has been inspiring. Our ambition is to extend the artwork across more of the hoardings in the future, continuing to celebrate this landmark and energise the High Street. The response from residents so far has been incredible.”
Owner Naveed Ahmad added:
“I am thrilled to convey that we hired street artists to do artwork on the hoardings of State Cinema. I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks to all the artists that have been working there. They have done a tremendous job. The finished artwork looks absolutely amazing! I am very pleased and enthralled to see the finished artwork. Lets endeavour to look after this great piece of history which we all love and have great memories attached to.”
The newly completed murals mark the beginning of a wider creative vision for the hoardings—one that brings fresh energy to Grays while celebrating the community and creativity at the heart of the project.
