11 August 2020
A collaborative art project between Coburg Primary School students and a local artist has come to life in Coburg's Russell Street despite COVID-19 school closures stopping the original planned workshops in their tracks.
Council officers, local artist Stephanie Hughes and teachers were forced to think outside the box to bring the grade five and six students from Coburg Primary School together to complete the project.
But with some creative thinking, students were coached by Ms Hughes via online workshops, their drawings completed at home, then scanned and submitted to Ms Hughes to arrange the artwork.
The artwork has now been installed on the new Exeloo and adjacent power substation box in Russell Street, behind Coburg Primary School and is a great example of what engaged placemaking can achieve even during challenging times.
Moreland Mayor Cr Lambros Tapinos said the artwork will strengthen connection and pride of place for local primary students who walk past the space regularly.
"This new artwork is fantastic. I'm so happy that we were able to bring Coburg Primary students and a local artist together on this project."
"I'm looking forward to enjoying it every time I walk down Russell Street" said Cr Tapinos.
The artwork has a sustainability theme and consists of speech bubbles and a map, arranged by Ms Hughes.
"I'm so happy to be part of this," she said.
"The kids have brought a great amount of energy to the project and I'm very proud of what we have achieved together."
This project is part of Council's $1.8 million upgrade along Russell Street, including new paving, pedestrian crossings, street furniture, trees and landscaping and a public toilet.
