Reimagining the 'Art Pass': a new large-scale mural for Chelsea
Community members are invited to get involved with working on a new mural in homage of the 'Art Pass': a large-scale public mural which was created for the Chelsea train station underpass in 2013 by artist Anu Patel.
Unfortunately, the existing mural needs to be demolished as part of to the Level Crossing Removal Project's (LXRP) station redevelopment works.
Thanks to funding from the LXRP and Kingston Council, artist Anu Patel has taken up an invitation to return to Chelsea in 2021 to create the new community mural 'Reimagining the Art Pass' in one of the lanes in Chelsea's shopping precinct.
Kingston Mayor Steve Staikos said it's great that community art is being valued and the Art Pass will be replaced with an exciting new mural, as part of LXRP's train station redevelopment project.
"The original piece was created following community consultation, in which residents shared their ideas on how to improve feelings of safety in Chelsea," said Cr Staikos. "One of these, was the creation of a colourful and fun, large-scale mural in the station underpass. Many community members participated in workshops to create the mural – and it became a source of civic pride which was affectionately referred to by locals as 'The Art Pass'."
"It is wonderful that this work has been taken into consideration – and will be replaced - as part of the Chelsea Train Station redevelopment."
Although the Art Pass will need to be demolished to make way for the new train station, Council has made a commitment to capture the works for posterity.
"We will be photographing the original mural piece before it is demolished," said Cr Staikos. "This will allow it to live on through art and media and stored in the historical archives."
As was the case with the original mural, community members are invited to work with artist Anu Patel, to help us to 'Reimagine the Art Pass'. Anu will host workshops where interested community members will be invited to take part in the creation of the new piece.
"We would love to see the same level of community enthusiasm and participation in the development of a new exciting piece of art, which will become an everyday landmark in Chelsea, symbolising this era of investment and improvement – along with a positive reminder of the old Chelsea train station," Cr Staikos said.
To stay up to date with the project as it develops, or to register your interest in being involved please visit kingstonarts.com.au.
