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When you are not commissioned to create a public artwork, but can see the need for murals on rundown outdoor walls, how can you make it happen?
Local artist Sue Law asked herself this question. She also wanted to give young artists experience making murals. Her answer was to get artists together to collaborate – so began the Mural Moreporks collective on messenger.
They approached local business associations, and in Silverdale Village, alongside the Pioneer Village, a blank concrete block wall was found in need of beautifying.
The owner was keen, so Sue designed a mural, working with Pioneer Village volunteers who provided inspiring historical photos of the area.
Fundraising for the project, Sue says, took more than a year of applying for grants. Resene donated paint and graffiti guard, and Ben Ravenhall of WRNZ offered to apply the graffiti guard free of charge – a saving of around $5000, Sue says.
Signpost Signs made it possible for Sue to erect a sign acknowledging everyone who contributed.
Four others worked on the mural with Sue – Andrea Dick, Michael Berry, Jasmin Murray and Daniel Law.
“I paid them a living wage,” Sue says. “There’s no reason for artists to work for free – we have qualifications and skills that we should be able to earn a living from.”
The mural includes depictions of the Weiti River, old Wade Hotel, gumdiggers store and Holy Trinity Church as well as people weaving flax and eeling.
About halfway through, the money ran out.
“Some of the other artists said they’d keep going as volunteers, but they deserve to be paid,” Sue says.
She is continuing to seek more sponsorship and funding, while working on the mural to see it finished.
“After this is completed, we want to paint more, so any owners of suitable walls are welcome to get in touch,” she says.
Anyone who can assist can contact Sue at studio22@slingshot.co.nz
