Young people who participated in the City’s Underpass Urban Art Project were excited to install their contemporary art mural onto the Camillo Road underpass last weekend.
The Armadale Underpass Urban Art Project commenced in October 2014 with a group of ten inspiring young people, including several young artists from previous creative art projects. They were joined by other worthy young people, nominated by local youth agencies, school chaplains and case workers; whom they considered would benefit from the project.
The young artists attended a series of four workshops coordinated by professional artist Darren Hutchens and Dan Duggan to develop concepts and ideas for the mural design. These young artists will continue to engage in further art workshops until the end of the year to further enhance their personal artistic skills and designs.
Mayor Henry Zelones said the project provided the opportunity for the participants to work with professional artists to enhance and develop their artistic skills and attitudes towards artwork during the workshops.
“Professional artists and project facilitators co-ordinated the installation process over the weekend, with support from the City’s Community Development Officer – Youth.
“Youth culture and young people are a vital part of our community and this type of projects aims to encourage young people that have an interest in art, but may have limited opportunity, to explore their creative abilities.
“By encouraging our young people to explore their creative capabilities, it enables them to explore their identity and further develop their self-confidence through a meaningful project relevant to their interests.
“The underpass links Westfield Park Primary with Westfield Park Reserve, and the installation of this mural produced by local young artists is also seen as a tangible way to discourage illegal graffiti in the underpass,” said Mayor Zelones.
The mural features a contrast to reflect opposites and balance. The eastern end reflects a moon, night, water theme, while the western end demonstrates an opposing sun, day, fire theme.
An Aztec, Mayan subject was the inspiration for the design reflecting temple, totems and brickwork and the ‘Indiana Jones’ archaeological and adventure theme is intended to appeal to children. The design is intended to represent the Armadale community and explores culture and history to engage and appeal to community members of all ages.
The Armadale Underpass Urban Art Project was funded by the Community Arts Network of WA, CATALYST Community Arts Fund, with additional support from the City of Armadale.
For more information on the Armadale Underpass Urban Art Project contact 9399 0642 or visit the Youth page on the City’s website www.armadale.wa.gov.au.