Students from the Learning Connexion decided they could help reduce graffiti in the city by producing murals which would cover the main tagging areas. They chose the Melling skate Park. In the words of tutor,Kerrie Burke, this was going to be a big job.
Translating the enthusiasm and passion of young people into coordinated action requires a special spark.The murals started with a visit to the Learning Connexion by council community grants officer Debbie Hunter. She talked about funding and one student Bernard Ngatai put up his hand and told the class, “ I would like to do a mural Miss.” Kerrie had been talking with the graffiti eradication team and knew a perfect spot for just such a mural.
The funding came from the council’s Creative Development Fund with support form council’s Parks and Reserves team who provided the plywood.
And then it was up to the students , Daniel Maxwell, Bernard Ngatai, Shayn Beavis and Chad Briggs to get together and develop designs for the submission to the Arts Advisory Group.
That was a big thing in itself. The boys had to learn how to sell a vision. Clarence Collier, an artist in his own right and a member of the arts policy group, visited the boys and offered his wisdom on what was achievable.
The boys were very impressed and, according to Kerrie, the experience made them see there is a place for young artists within the community.
The team worked through the Christmas period painting and sealing 12 sheets of plywood before applying their designs to the boards. It was an amazing effort for the delivery of high quality murals. I would like to congratulate everyone associated with this project.
We are determined to bring graffiti under control in our city and projects like these murals can help in that process.
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