Sunday, February 16, 2025

Bayside to paint new graffiti view

Bayside Council in southern Sydney has been granted $99,235 from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice for an innovative program to deter graffiti vandalism at a local skate park by engaging with local young people.

Council will use the Graffiti Management Grant funds to engage graffiti street artists to design and create murals on the Mutch Park Skate Park and surrounds in collaboration with young people who frequent the skate bowl.

Mayor, Christina Curry says the initiative was part of a new strategy Council was developing to combat graffiti vandalism.

“Street art will make the area more appealing to the skaters, help deter vandalism, while helping Council develop a stronger relationship with our younger community,” the Mayor said.

The skate park has been in operation for three years and Council believes engaging local young people in a graffiti street art mural project will reduce the social impact of graffiti vandalism, as well the high cost of its removal.

The next stage of planning for the project that will involve an EOI process seeking graffiti street artists, including indigenous artists, to work in collaboration with young people who frequent the skate bowl to design the murals for the skate bowl and surrounds.

The Council says it will also work with local youth services to encourage local young people to participate in the project once the designs are approved.

While the project is still in its early stages it is expected to culminate in a youth festival to launch the rejuvenated skate park once the murals are completed.

Council has previously had success with its street art program, which has transformed an amenities block in Mascot Memorial Park, Morgan Street Reserve in Botany, Hillsdale Community Centre, Brighton le Sands Carpark, and shipping containers at Cook Park.

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