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See Banksy's Art Buff and find the Plinths in Folkestone this weekend before they're gone

It's a work by world famous artist Banksy, which has taken years to secure for display in the town, but if you're looking to seek out the Art Buff this weekend, be prepared, as it's a little tucked away.

The work, which was originally installed in 2014 with Banksy saying it was “part of the Folkestone Triennial. Kind of”, is now on show in a courtyard at 69 Old High Street, Folkestone , but in a low-key way, without any signs or fanfare.

Banksy's Art Buff is on show to anyone walking past - if they look out for it
Banksy's Art Buff is on show to anyone walking past - if they look out for it

For those dedicated to catching a snippet of the famous art world treasure for free, there is an open invitation to see the work - which is in a courtyard off the Old High Street - and also to make your own mark on one of the plinths placed around the town as a tribute.

And this weekend is the last chance to join in with the creative project, The Plinth, launched in the town to coincide with the unveiling of the artwork.

There's a plinth on the beach at Folkestone Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Wire
There's a plinth on the beach at Folkestone Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Wire

Anyone can display their own work, or something special to them, on an empty plinth - just as the woman in Art Buff is gazing at an empty plinth - for a moment, and capture it on camera for social media.

You may come prepared and ready with something special to put on it; you may be walking your dog and can balance him or her on there, or you may have a rummage in your bag for the perfect item on the spur of the moment.

Anything can become a star once placed on the Plinth in Folkestone Picture: Angela Cole
Anything can become a star once placed on the Plinth in Folkestone Picture: Angela Cole

There are also 10 vacant plinths in outdoor locations around the town waiting for people to use them to display their lockdown creations, artistic talents and special objects, offering a unique opportunity to showcase artistic talent, display meaningful objects and share ideas, in celebration of Folkestone, community and creativity.

Though the shops around the Art Buff will be closed, visitors can take their daily exercise by seeking out the variety of plinths around the town.

Putting art on the Plinth Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Wire
Putting art on the Plinth Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Wire

There is one alongside Art Buff, as you stroll down the Old High Street towards the harbour, and one on the Sunny Sands beach - but you'll only see it if you’re there at low tide.

You can download a map of the precise locations on organisers Creative Folkestone's website here .

But here's the full list:

Folkestone Central Station - Artist plinth by Malcolm Allen

The Gasworks, Foord Road - Artist Plinth by Maureen Jordan

The Shed, Bradstone Avenue - No access, viewing only

Payers Park - Plinth and Performance Plinth

The Beach, Outer Harbour

The Harbour Station, The Harbour Arm

Harbour Viaduct

Pleydell Gardens

The Leas Cliff Hall - Artist Plinth by Tomas Poblete

The Grand Hotel

Martello Tower 3, East Cliff

Sunflower House, Foord Road

Folkestone Museum

A passer-by looks at a work by Maureen Jordan on Folkestone sea front as part of Creative Folkestone's The Plinth Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Wire
A passer-by looks at a work by Maureen Jordan on Folkestone sea front as part of Creative Folkestone's The Plinth Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Wire

The graffiti artwork by Banksy, which depicts a woman wearing headphones and staring at a plinth, upon which rests a patch of painted-out graffiti was installed in Folkestone in 2014 but that year Robin Barton and Bankrobber London organized its removal following requests from the owners of the wall and announced plans to put it up for sale. It was flown to Miami Art Basel to be offered for sale but in September 2015, a British judge ruled that the mural was public property and had to be returned to Folkestone.

If you are in the area and display something on the plinth, take a picture and share it on social media using #FolkestonePlinth. You have until Sunday, November 8 to do it.

Find out more at creativefolkestone.org.uk

For more days out ideas across Kent click here.

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