bellambi safe streets project
This project's objective was to revamp and revitalize the Bellambi housing commission in north Wollongong.
Working with residents and the Housing Department, public art was commissioned for the open spaces and mews areas of Bellambi.
The concept for all the murals was to be a complete visual representation of Bellambi past and present. The murals were designed to describe life there in a positive way and use images that would be instantly recognisable for the local residents.
The mural designs emphasize the positive side of living in Bellambi and create pride in being a resident by highlighting the natural beauty of the area. As well as murals, a sculptor, 2 indigenous mosaic artists, a wood carver, a graffiti artist and a project leader were commissioned to contribute their own artworks to the project.
5 murals in total were created for Bellambi - a large mural each for Staithes and Whitby Mews and a 3-part bird mural for a park area known locally as 'the green box'.
Workshops were organised with the residents to find out what they were expecting to see in the murals. Drawings and paintings produced in these meetings helped with subject matter and gave a local perspective to the compositions.
Historical and cultural literature was also given for reference and as background to Bellambi and some of its past industries. Research on indigenous tribes of the area, their customs, totems and existing artwork also gave inspiration to the design process.
General observation of the estate in everyday life was also an important resource for subject matter and collecting photos of the birds, coastline, sea and beach images served as a valuable reference material and inspiration.
Gwynn Farley a local resident assisted in conceptualising the designs and participated extensively in the final mural production. Bev McDougal, another resident, assisted in conceptualising the bird murals and contributed artwork to the painting of the 'Swamp Bird' mural.
Other collaborators included the children and adults who participated in the workshops. Some of these children joined in with the painting of the final murals and included there own images as well as helping with general colour filling.
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