It’s incredible to think that The Smurfs are over 60 years old. What’s even more incredible is that these tiny, blue people as still deeply ingrained in the pop culture—with another reboot film, ‘Smurfs’, on the way this July.
To celebrate, a city-wide takeover consisting of eight Smurfs murals for every personality has kicked off today (Thursday, July 10). Just like in the film, this mini mural trail will take you on an adventure into the real world. With each design uniquely interacting with its location.
On this free, accessible trail, you can find Papa Smurf and Hefty Smurf are bringing the Blues to Birmingham City FC’s Knighthead Park; Brainy Smurf has found his way to ThinkTank, Birmingham’s science museum; and Grouchy Smurf can be seen scooting past the canal at Brindleyplace.
In a full-circle moment that blends nostalgia with star power, Smurfette, voiced by superstar Rihanna, will oversee the excitement at the NEC Arena, where the ‘Umbrella’-singer herself played back in 2011. Other locations include: Bullring Shopping Centre, Dudley Street, and Odeon on New Street and Broadway Place.What better way to spend a sunny weekend in Birmingham?
Each work has been created by the female artist group, WOM Collective, a grassroots collective passionate about inspiring and empowering each other and their communities. Four members of the collective were involved, including founders Lours and Elno, as well as Ly and Lucy Danielle (who is from the West Midlands).
“It’s been a lot of fun creating the designs from such iconic characters, while putting our own twist on their antics and poses,” said Lours. “As an all-female collective we particularly enjoyed bringing Smurfette to life, and it’s been great to see the city turn blue! We hope it brings lots of joy for families and visitors in Birmingham over summer”
Catch the art on display in Birmingham for a limited time this summer, while ‘Smurfs’ releases in UK cinemas on July 18.