This month, three artists and three high schools are creating three murals around Fremantle in the culmination of the Our Voice | Our Mark project.
The three artists, Olive Cheng, ArtbyRow (Adam Cicanese) and Jordan Rush were selected through an open expression of interest process.
They have been mentoring students from John Curtin College of the Arts, Fast Track and The Studio School during Terms 1 and 2 this year.
While in residence, the artists co-created murals with the students ranging from Years 7 to 11, leading to three site-specific mural designs which are due to be painted collaboratively during Term 3.
Each artist has also contributed to cross-discipline curriculum learning throughout this project, giving students a 'real-life' context for working in this way.
The three appointed artists, their schools, site locations and installation dates (weather permitting) are:
- Olive Cheng and John Curtin College of the Arts | Parmelia Park toilet block (City of Fremantle). Installation dates: Friday 1 August - Thursday 7 August, 2025
- ArtbyRow (Adam Cicanese) and Fast Track | Horrie Long Reserve basketball court (City of Fremantle). Installation dates: Thursday 7 August - Monday 18 August, 2025.
- Jordan Rush and The Studio School | FOMO carpark (privately-owned). Installation dates: Monday 18 August - Monday 25 August, 2025.
In the development of their concept design, artists and students were asked to consider:
- The artwork is to be designed specifically for the site and be responsive to the historical, cultural, social and built environment (as relevant), including consideration of surrounding landscape, environment and activities.
- The concept must contribute to a distinctive sense of place, a fostering of community spirit, and have a wide audience appeal.
The artists and schools presented their concept designs to a City Selection and Review Panel (including officers from the City's Arts, Parks and Landscape, and Place and Projects teams), for review and feedback, with approval granted by the CEO.
The Our Voice | Our Mark project is proudly supported by the City of Fremantle and the WA Government.
The project was born from key goals and aspirations as identified in the Arts, Culture and Creative Strategy 2024-34 and Youth Plan 2023-28, particularly as it relates to facilitating the development and growth of young emerging artists and creatives in Walyalup | Fremantle through mentorship programs.
The City is thrilled by the creative, supportive and collaborative nature of this project and is excited to see the painted results!
Photo credit: Artist Olive Cheng with students from John Curtin College of the Arts.
