“Honestly, it blows my mind.”
A talented Blackpool artist is asking for your vote in a bid to be named The People’s Artist.
Adam Salisbury is well known in town for painting community murals and his online artwork has reached thousands of people around the world. But now he is aiming to gain his greatest accolade yet in a contest backed by Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp.
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The competition, in conjunction with Artforum magazine, will see the winner collect a $25,000 (£18,600) prize and see their work exhibited at a top gallery in Los Angeles. Thirty seven-year-old Adam said: “I never expected this. A ld from Blackpool who used to sit drawing on scraps of paper, now sitting 14th in the running for the People’s Artist.
“Honestly, it blows my mind. Over the years, I’ve painted hospital walls for children, murals for communities, canvases inspired by legends and artwork that’s reached millions around the world but the biggest thing art has given me is connection.
“I receive messages from people saying my paintings have helped them smile and made hospital rooms less scary. That means more to me than numbers ever will. Now, somehow, I’m part of a competition connected to Johnny Depp and have the chance to represent artists on a huge stage.
“If my art has ever made you smile, inspired you, helped you or if you simply believe in me and his journey, I’d appreciate your vote.”
Johnny Depp said: “I looked forward to seeing what all the artists create.”
The corridors and wards of Blackpool Victoria Hospital have been transformed in recent years thanks to Adam’s murals, including the beloved tram mural on Wards 34 and 35.
Artwork in children’s wards include characters from Disney classics The Lion king and Frozen.
You can vote for Adam at: https://peoplesartist.org/2026/adam-salisbury
