Youth anti-violence sculpture to come to Chelmsford
'I am love' is co-created by Knife Angel sculpture artist, Alfie Bradley
Last updated 8th Oct 2024
A statue made to educate and reflect on "all forms of youth violence" is being unveiled in Chelmsford today (Monday, 7 October).
The 15ft 'I am love' statue is being unveiled at BST 19:00 on Monday 7, October on Frank Whitmore Green, Chelmsford.
Weighing 1.25 tonnes and made from 900 metres of stainless steel, the statue is dedicated to guiding young people away from violence.
It incorporates amnesty knives collected from various bins across Essex, which have been donated by Essex police.
It was devised by Luisa Di Marco, founder of Keep It 100 Essex, who said the artwork next to the sculpture has had multiple "contributions from guides, scouts and many more young people around the county."
"The sculpture is everyone: families that want to have a conversation with their children, for young people that feel safer to talking about things they're going through outdoors, and just a place to think."
KI100 supports under-25s who live, work or study in Essex to find opportunities in the digital, media, arts, music and sports sectors.
Founder, Ms Marco, told us the organisation aims to "educate young people on alternatives to criminal activities, promoting positive lifestyles and strategic thinking so that anyone can become the best versions of themselves."
Ms Marco has been working in collaboration with Knife Angel artist, Alfie Bradley, to create the sculpture.
The statue is named after songwriter and ITV’s The Voice sensation, Joy Farrukh’s ‘ I am love’ who sang at a Knife Angel vigil in the city in 2021, and is performing at this evening's unveiling.
The initiative has been driven by Keep it 100 Essex Youth CIC with support from partners, including Chelmsford Safer Partnership, Chelmsford CVS, and Young Essex Assembly.