Mentone Public Art Project
Students at Kilbreda College are busy finalising designs to paint onto electricity poles and a large-scale mural in Mentone, as part of the Mentone Public Art Project.
Led by international artist Paola Ibarra Llano in collaboration with the Kingston Arts Team, students are painting graphic designs onto a series of poles across Mentone, to complement the Mentone Renaissance works currently underway.
The Mentone Public Art project provides an opportunity for school students to build new skills through a meaningful partnership with a contemporary artist.
Mayor Georgina Oxley said that Paola has a rich history working with students to create colourful art installations which create conversation and attract visitation.
"Paola has led student art installations as far abroad as Mexico City and Beijing, and closer to home in the City of Darebin and at RMIT University," said Cr Oxley.
According to Nicole Mangelsdorf, principal of Kilbreda College, thirteen Year 10 students will be bringing this project to life by designing and then painting the poles and a large-scale mural on the College wall along Como Parade. "Having the opportunity to work alongside an international artist and produce artworks for the community to enjoy is a wonderful learning experience for our students," she said.
The redesign of the Mentone electricity poles is one element of the Mentone Public Art Project.
Incorporating art into an infrastructure project to build place and community gives community a sense of ownership of their place,
Earlier this year Council ran a public consultation to find out what stories the community would like to see reflected in Mentone as part of this project.
"We asked the community what stories they would like to see reflected in artwork in Mentone, which creates a sense of pride, identity and a feeling of ownership of the public space. Following community feedback, we have commissioned a sculptural piece from artist Julie Shield who will create a piece which celebrates Mentone's history and beach culture, as well as Italian Culture."
