Bayside Council was successful in a $99,235 Graffiti Management Grant from NSW Department of Communities and Justice that will be used for an innovative program to deter graffiti vandalism around Mutch Park Skate Park by engaging with local young people.
"This is part of a new strategy that Council is developing to combat graffiti vandalism. Street art will make the area more appealing to the skaters, help deter vandalism, while helping Council develop a stronger relationship with our younger community," Mayor Dr Christina Curry said.
Council will use the grant funds to engage graffiti street artists to design and create murals on the skate bowl and surrounds in collaboration with young people who frequent the skate bowl.
The skate park has been in operation for three years and Council believes engaging local young people in a graffiti street art mural project will reduce the social impact of graffiti vandalism, as well the high cost of its removal.
Now that funding has been secured Council can proceed with the next stage of planning the project that will involve an EOI process seeking graffiti street artists, including indigenous artists, to work in collaboration with young people who frequent the skate bowl to design the murals for the skate bowl and surrounds.
Council will also work with local youth services to encourage local young people to participate in the project once the designs are approved.
While the project is still in its early stages it is expected to culminate in a youth festival to launch the rejuvenated skate park once the murals are completed.
Council has had a lot of success with its street art program that has already transformed an amenities block in Mascot Memorial Park, Morgan Street Reserve in Botany, Hillsdale Community Centre, Brighton le Sands Carpark, and shipping containers at Cook Park.
