Exeter’s public spaces set for creative makeover

Artist Chloe Farrant is on a mission to bring nature back into the city with her new project, Transforming Spaces 2025. Following her recent mural at Pinhoe train station, Chloe is set to create 10 more stunning environmental murals in Exeter this year.

If you've passed through Pinhoe station in recent months, you've likely noticed a striking mural of three foxes set against a backdrop of beautiful wildlife. This piece, completed by Chloe last September, was part of an initiative by the Exeter Wellbeing group, in collaboration with Friends of Pinhoe Station, Network Rail, and South Western Railway (SWR), to brighten up the station. The foxes were chosen as the theme because a family of foxes is known to roam the area, often spotted around the railway embankment.

For Chloe, animals and nature have always been a key focus in her work. "I’ve always been interested with nature and animals," she shared. "I love animals, in fact I support lots of sanctuaries. Later in the year, I’m hoping to support Animals Asia by travelling to one of their bear sanctuaries in China or Vietnam and doing a project for them."

Chloe’s next big project, Transforming Spaces 2025, will see her bringing more wildlife-inspired art to the streets of Exeter. The initiative aims to transform 10 public spaces across the city with environmental murals. Business, community groups, and organisations will have the chance to apply for a bespoke mural, with 10 locations chosen for the project. Chloe is eager to get started but explained, "I can’t start this until the spring when the weather improves, but I’m excited, this new project will bring nature into urban spaces."

In addition to her mural work, Chloe runs the Meraki Art School at the Guildhall Shopping Centre, where she teaches children art on weekends. Since its opening in 2021, the school has flourished, with Chloe reflecting, "When we first started, the first session was free, and in three months we were full. I run the classes alongside other artists."

Chloe’s upcoming murals are set to further connect Exeter’s residents with nature and the world around them, transforming urban spaces into vibrant, wildlife-filled canvases.