Young artists paint murals in Camden

By Andriana Simos.

ASPIRING young artists aged 12 to 15 years will have creative control over the fourth annual Youth Public Art Participation Project in Camden South.

The project aims to revitalise two sites at Rotary Park with murals designed by young Camden residents during a workshop on Saturday, September 8.

“This is an opportunity for young people to be involved in making public art… and to use their creativity and sense of community to improve this outdoor area,” Camden Mayor Lara Symkowiak said.

Professional street artist Tim de Haan will be on hand at the workshop to guide the group towards creating a visual design that meets Camden Council’s brief.

“We’ve been asked to incorporate a living garden element on top of the murals. What this means is using living plants in the design and ensuring that once they grow, they interact well with the paintings on the walls,” Mr Haan said.

“At the workshop we will brainstorm ideas about how we can meet this brief and look more deeply at what we could potentially paint and what our subject matter will be.”

Mr Haan said the painting process should take about two days per site and is a great chance to bring the community together.

“When it’s time to start painting, the kids get to help by using acrylic paints and a brush or roller. For the finishing details like line work, we will use aerosols,” he said.

“Usually I’m like the architect getting the work finalised and up to scratch for presentation to the Council.”

Along the way, Mr Haan said the young artists should learn to take ownership for their art rather than think of themselves as “vandals.”

“Some of the kids involved might paint graffiti all over the place and create mischief but this project is a chance for them to take control of their art,” he said.

“The locally designed art becomes something to be proud of and they are less likely to vandalise that spot again.”

The project will also encourage participants to think out outside of the box.

“It will even give the kids an insight into potential possibilities they didn’t know about career-wise,” he said.

“In the end, it could be an experience that shapes their direction and path.”

For more details: 4654 7777.