A 19-metre mural was be unveiled on Monday 20 October in Bristol’s Stokes Croft, celebrating a new initiative helping Big Issue sellers boost their income using BillyChip’s award-winning community currency.
The large-scale artwork - created by mural specialists Art Sync - brings together four of Bristol’s most respected artists: Jody, Melo, Conrico and AimesWasHere. Each artist will contribute their distinctive style to tell the story of how creativity, compassion and collaboration are driving new ways to support people experiencing homelessness.
The mural is also part of the wider awareness campaign for BillyChip Live - a one-night-only charity concert at Bristol Beacon on 22 November, headlined by international DJ James Hype. All proceeds will go towards building three micro-homes in the city for people experiencing homelessness, delivered in partnership with Help Bristol’s Homeless.
The mural will be split into four sections, each telling a different part of the story through the work of a different artist.
Melo will lead with a piece representing BillyChip, with the only creative requirement being that the iconic blue token appears somewhere in the design. AimesWasHere will follow with a depiction of a Big Issue seller, shown from behind in the familiar red vendor jacket - a tribute to the self-employed spirit of the street community. At the centre of the mural, acclaimed artist Jody will paint a bold portrait of global DJ James Hype who will headline a fundraising show at Bristol Beacon on Saturday 22 November at Bristol Beacon, designed to grab attention and raise awareness for the upcoming fundraiser where each ticket will help fund the creation of three new microhomes for Help Bristol Homeless. The final section, by Conrico, will imagine the project’s impact: a vibrant scene of micro-homes set within natural surroundings, painted in the artist’s signature colourful, organic style.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the iconic red Big Issue tabard made vivid and larger than life by the talented artists curated by Art Sync.” said Catherin Parsons, Managing Director at Big Issue.
Installed at the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft (PRSC) outdoor gallery, the mural marks the launch of a groundbreaking trial between BillyChip and The Big Issue. The new scheme will allow Big Issue sellers in Bristol and Bath to use BillyChips to purchase magazine stock - providing a secure, cashless way for vendors to stay stocked and working, without needing to use their own funds.
Jack Richardson, a Big Issue seller based in the city, added: “Now BillyChips can be swapped for big issues, which is amazing for me, and incredibly useful”
“This partnership with The Big Issue is a huge step forward for BillyChip,” said Jack Gascoigne, Director of Communications at BillyChip. “It proves that something as simple as a token can unlock real opportunity. By accepting BillyChips, sellers can grow their income and independence - and that’s exactly the kind of practical, human support we need more of. The mural puts a spotlight on that work, while also raising awareness of the housing solutions we’re delivering with Help Bristol’s Homeless through BillyChip Live.”
Each BillyChip is purchased by a member of the public at a participating café or shop and gifted to someone experiencing homelessness. The chip can then be exchanged for food, drink or other essentials - including now, for the first time, magazine stock for Big Issue sellers.
Azul Amos, co-founder of Art Sync, added: “We’ve always believed art should inspire and connect people. This mural is about amplifying stories that matter and using public space to highlight organisations making a real difference in Bristol.”
The project has been made possible through shared contributions: Art Sync waived its agency fee and donated £1,000; the artists reduced their rates; PRSC offered discounted gallery space; and BillyChip covered the remaining production costs.
The mural will be on public display at the PRSC outdoor gallery from Monday 20 October. Tickets for BillyChip Live with James Hype are on sale now at https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/james-hype-2025/
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