Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Artists from refugee backgrounds launch new work at thriving street festival
Eat Your Heart Out Liverpool - a celebration of art in the CBD
On 25 August, 2 pm - 9 pm, Railway Street in Liverpool CBD will combine mouth-watering food, live music and performances, markets, garden games and art into a feast for the senses.
Festival-goers can get happy-snaps in front of community mural created by Muralisto in partnership with Settlement Services International (SSI)’s Arts and Culture program.
Zoe Edema from Muralisto said the mural was centred around multiculturalism and diversity.
"Muralisto is dedicated to using public art as a vehicle for social change," Ms Edema said.
"We do this with youth-focused art mentorships. Working with groups of young people, we start by discussing social issues and incorporate them into the plan for the mural, then they work with our mentors to paint them."
Eat Your Heart Out Liverpool will serve as the launch of new work by SSI artists Karmeen Yalda, Mariam Abbas and Emmanuel Asante.
Karmeen Yalda says that her experience with attending workshops in the lead up to painting the mural has allowed her to learn about the past and present of some of the world’s most magnificent artworks.
"It was one of the best experiences, I was so delighted and happy and would love to join again," Ms Yalda said.
Self-taught artist Emmanuel Asante was first connected to SSI through Headspace when battling depression and says that his experience with SSI is like a dream come true.
"I feel more alive and useful because I am contributing more and my art is recognised," Mr Asante said.
"Meeting people who are passionate about art, gives me self-satisfaction because where I come from art is held in disdain. There is no other joy than hearing a compliment from kids - I want to draw like him."
Eat Your Heart Out Liverpool will be held on 25 August, 2 pm – 9 pm, in Railway St, Liverpool.
Visit liverpool.nsw.gov.au/whats-on --- f
