28-Sep-2007
Parks Young People Showcase Artistic Talents
A group of young people from the Parks area have turned their creative talents to painting a giant mural at Centro Arndale depicting life in the region.
Minister for Housing, the Hon Jay Weatherill, today unveiled the Westwood Community Mural with the help of the artists involved in the project. The mural is located outside the main entrance to the shopping centre near the bus terminus.
The project is a partnership between Westwood, the City of Port Adelaide Enfield Parks Community Centre and Centro Arndale.
Westwood, which commenced in 1999, is the largest urban renewal project in Australia. The project is a $600 million joint venture between Housing SA and Urban Pacific Limited in conjunction with the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. The City of Charles Sturt has recently joined the project team as Westwood moves into Athol Park, an area of Westwood that will be known as “The Avenues”.
Urban Pacific’s General Manager in SA, Mark Devine, said young people from across the Parks region had worked for many months to design and paint a mural representing Centro Arndale as the main meeting place in the local area.
Mr Devine said well known and respected aerosol artist AKA Jimmy C had worked with the young people to develop the mural.
“These young people have done a fantastic job in capturing a snapshot of people’s daily lives and how they interact,” Mr Devine said.
“I understand some of the young artists also feature in the artwork, and the mural incorporates a central indigenous design.
“Socially, the project is revitalising the area by creating a balanced and sustainable community, reducing concentrated socio-economic disadvantage and creating a better environment for people to live in.
“Most importantly, the mural will help to inspire other young people in the region and build their respect for public space and for other people.”
Mr Devine said the mural was just one of the ways in which Westwood seeks to get young people more involved in their local community.
“Westwood has a strong philosophy of being involved in community initiatives, and in particular giving young people the opportunity to take part in social activities and programs,” Mr Devine said.
“For example, we employ a dedicated community development officer to develop social and sporting programs in the region, and we offer educational scholarships to local students.”