A colourful new addition to the street art scene in City of Greater Geelong, Victoria, has been created in the Little Ryrie Street car park.
The City engaged six young local people to produce the public art piece, following an approach by building owner Costa Asset Management.
The City commissioned 20 year old Connor Firth, who created the blue wren mural in Union Street, to be the lead artist on the project.
He worked with six other young people from Whittington to complete the Australian bird art pieces on the building and adjacent toilet block wall over the June long weekend.
The project was a great experience for the aspiring young artists, who were supported by the City’s Youth Development Unit.
They learnt new skills, such as how to cut and use stencils and create artwork, that have inspired some to further explore their creativity through upcoming workshops and projects.
Chair, Arts, Culture and Heritage, Councillor Jim Mason, said, “We are pleased to be able to develop the skills of these emerging talented artists and to showcase their work in such a prominent location.
“Our public art program adds colour and vibrancy to our streets and strengthens the cultural fabric of Geelong.”
The young people also felt positively connected to their community, with many residents stopping to chat with them as they created the eye-catching mural.
Connor also received interest from two other local business owners, who want to host murals on their own properties.
