A fundraising run through North East Hamilton will help to brighten the area by supporting the creation of a series of murals in the neighbourhood.

The Bermuda National Gallery, together with organiser Nhuri Bashir, Donna Raynor, the chair of the Bermuda Olympic Association’s Women In Sport Committee, and Domico Watson, have announced the BNG Run for the Arts 5K, which is set to take place on April 23.

The event, sanctioned by the Bermuda National Athletics Association, will start and end at the Parson’s Road Playground and will weave through North East Hamilton, Palmetto Road and Happy Valley.

Mr Bashir, of Burnt House Productions, who grew up in the area, said he was inspired to make the event a reality after seeing obscenities in the area being painted over.

“Within a few weeks, the obscenities had returned in the same locations,” he said. “We had them painted again.

“They haven’t returned, but it made me think that if these spaces are available, they can be canvases for either bad or good. I prefer the good.

“I am also a well-travelled individual and some of my favourite areas to frequent have vibrant art as far as the eye can see. I would love for the area to be a mecca of sorts for the arts and art enthusiasts.”

Those who take part in the event will help to raise funds for the arts, including the creation of three large-scale murals in North East Hamilton as part of a new public art programme in the area.

Money raised from the run will also fund a paid placement on the Bermuda National Gallery internship programme for a student from the area and support BNG’s education programmes.

Peter Lapsley, the BNG executive director, said: “Art is for everyone and public art is an important way to share our stories and perspectives. The BNG Run for the Arts 5K is a great community event for the whole family and we look forward to sharing it with Bermuda.”

The event will include a range of categories for runners and walkers, with participants able to sign up online at the Bermuda National Gallery website or runsignup.com.