Colour us excited for the 2023 StreetWORKS mural installations
Published on 19 December 2023
Culture, colour and community are coming to life in the latest round of the StreetWORKS program which is bringing eight new murals to the Footscray CBD.
Maribyrnong City Council and State Government have partnered to invest $355,000 in street art and other public art in Footscray to enliven community spaces, foster creativity, and deter vandalism.
City of Maribyrnong Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam, said Council was spoiled for choice in curating this year’s selection of artists to help bring more vibrancy to our community.
“We received 53 expressions of interest from artists to participate in the program, which supports and promotes the arts and enables it to be appreciated by the entire community, with the added benefit of reducing graffiti and tagging,” Mayor Lam said.
“We invite everyone to enjoy these beautiful artworks, and hope they will inspire, uplift and connect our community for years to come.”
Member for Footscray, Katie Hall MP said: "Footscray has some of the best street art in Melbourne. I'm proud to have been able to deliver a $200,000 contribution from the Allan Labor Government for these works in the Footscray CBD, which will help to activate and enhance our streetscapes in Footscray."
The artists selected to install a street art commission this year include Katherine Gailer, Tom Civil, Madeleine Mercer, Abbey Rich and Olana Janfa, Eric Sesto, Justine McAllister, Olivia McCarten and Daniel van de Weil.
The mural installed by award-winning Melbourne-based Colombian artist Katherine Gailer – or Katira – reflects ideas of unity, cultural diversity and collective action. A bright and visually-stunning piece, the mural features two young women entwined through a braid in their hair.
The mural features imagery of local flora and fauna in homage to the Wadawurrung people. It also draws inspiration from the Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy through the symbolism of our shared connections and collaborative efforts towards a common future.
“Vibrant colours and a magical realism aesthetic serves as an invitation to the public to contemplate the future of the new generation and recognise our integral role within the ecosystem,” Katherine said.
“Turning to the left side of the mural, I particularly focus on the impact of small actions like cycling. This segment visually communicates the ripple effect of individual choices, aligning with the Council’s goal of promoting active transport modes fuelled by human power.”
Installation of the murals will take place throughout summer.
Keep an eye out on Maribyrnong City Council’s social media as we profile the work of these amazing artists.
Maribyrnong News
Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our eNews.