Townsville’s largest street art project transforms walkway
Date published: 17 May 2023
Seven artists have teamed up to create Townsville’s biggest piece of street art at a popular Thuringowa Central walkway.
Local artists Alicia Allen, Art by Lavinia, Baret one., Mitchell Overest, Nicky Bidju Pryor and The Smizler have been joined by NSW artist Silly Pear for the mammoth undertaking, covering two 43m and 83m-long walls at High Range Drive.
The project is funded by Townsville City Council and will help provide a much-needed facelift for the walkway which connects High Range Drive and Gregory Street at Condon.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said Council had engaged residents to develop the themes for the project.
“Council is committed to growing Townsville into a city that embraces the arts and recreational activities, which is why we’re giving the well-used walkway between Condon and Cannon Park a makeover,” Cr Greaney said.
“We know that residents want to be proud of where they live, and investing in public art is a proven way to engage our community.
“That’s why Council has brought seven highly-talented artists on board to deliver Townsville’s largest street art piece for residents and visitors to enjoy for free for many years to come.”
Cr Greaney said the project was a significant collaboration between artists.
“Having seven artists from different backgrounds and cultures work together on this project is a reflection of the diversity of Townsville,” Cr Greaney said.
“Two of our artists, Nicky Bidju Pryor and Alicia Allen, are First Nations artists. We’ve been able to get a great cross-section of artists to bring their unique style to the project.
“We’ve worked with residents, including Traditional Owners, organisations working with young people, and people who frequently use the walkway to find out what they’d like to see in the space.
“The artists have taken that feedback on board and explored themes of local flora and fauna, climate justice, skate culture, and environmental messages.”
Baret one. is undertaking a whole wall by himself, covering the 43m-long space with a piece called Water Queen, including the native flower Bombax ceiba.
“This design is using the creek to ocean idea from the design brief. In my artwork the Water Queen becomes the mediator between the creek and the ocean, from the murky mangroves out to the deep sea she keeps the two balanced and working in harmony,” Baret one. said.
Council is inviting residents to check out the new piece of street art at its official launch this Thursday from 4pm at the Kingpin Townsville Bowling Alley carpark.
