Corowa's new collaborative Mural
Published on 13 December 2019
Corowa has a bright new mural revitalizing the community space in the Memorial Plaza off Sanger Street.
The mural is an initiative of the Federation Youth Council born from their goal to establish a public space for young people for socialisation and recreation in the main CBD area of Corowa.
Earlier this year, the Youth Council approached Federation Council to seek endorsement to create a colourful mural, which celebrated local youth, beautified a public space and made the area more welcoming and appealing to people of all ages.
Albury Artist, Kade Fielder was engaged by Council to work with students from the Master Street Art class at Corowa High School to create a mural on the wall.
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Patrick Bourke said, “Kade began the project by conducting two workshops at the High School looking at successful Australian street artists, teaching the students the basic techniques of using spray cans, and brainstorming ideas and designs that they felt had meaning to their area. Kade reviewed the young people’s ideas and came up with the final design, which was approved by the Youth Council.”
“The following week the Street Art Masterclass joined Kade on site to assist with the mark up and paint the mural. The result is a mural that is a reflection of the Federation area, featuring the Golden Whistler and the Red Capped Robin, two beautiful woodland birds of the central Riverina area, next to an Echidna foraging on the banks of the Murray River, flanked by a cheeky Bush Tail Possum peaking over a native.”
“Public art engages young people in artistic expression fostering a sense of connection and ownership over the mural sites. At the same time, working on community development projects allows local young people to develop their communication skills, teamwork, leadership and decision-making skills. They engaged with a range of stakeholders, and it strengthens their community engagement and the role they play in Council,” he said.
The Federation Youth Council aim to continue on their exciting transformational place making project journey, working with the local business owners and the community to revamp the Memorial Plaza into a vibrant and inclusive community space. Suggestions been considered include a public BBQ, water bubbler, Wi-Fi facilities, power access, inclusive furniture, festive bunting and lighting.
Federation Youth Council Mayor, Cr Dylan Forge said. "After completion of the mural the Federation Youth Council are now committed to continuing to explore ideas for new projects, that provide an engaging and welcoming area for local youth to gather and connect."
"Future planning for the area is underway and we would love ideas and feedback to come from our local youth as to what to include,” he said.
The Federation Youth Council would like to sincerely thank George Kyprios for allowing the mural to be placed on the wall of his building, and Corowa High School for allowing the students to be involved.
