The City of Vantaa is preparing to commission the painting of a mural tribute to Eurovision entrant Käärijä in the district of Tikkurila, city mayor Riikka Åstrand confirmed on Wednesday.
A mural of the rapper, real name Jere Pöyhönen, had previously been planned for the Ruskeasanta area, to mark his achievement in finishing a close second to Sweden's Loreen in this year's ESC.
Pöyhönen is originally from Ruskeasanta, but city authorities believe Tikkurila is a better option for the mural because of its central location and busier footfall.
"If we have international visitors who want to make a pilgrimage to the Käärijä mural, it's easy to get there from the station," Åstrand said.
A potential site to the west of Tikkurila station, near the town hall and market square, has been earmarked for the mural.
"A large wall without windows and openings would be suitable for the purpose, such as an office-type building," Åstrand noted, adding that the exact location cannot yet be disclosed as the property owner has not yet given the 'Käärijä-green' light.
"We are currently investigating whether the company will agree to the wall of their building being used as a mural site. We hope to hear back this week," the mayor said.
The city's own offices around the Tikkurila area have been considered unsuitable for the mural, but Åstrand said there are a few privately-owned alternatives if the owners of the preferred site are not keen on the idea.
The search for a suitable site has also been complicated by the fact that many buildings in the centre of Vantaa are under threat of demolition.
"City residents have suggested some sites for the mural, including the Shopping Centre Dixi and the ice hall, but neither are possible. The ice hall is under the threat of demolition within 10 years, and the potential mural wall at Dixi would be obscured by a planned extension," Åstrand explained.
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