Launch of multicultural mural project

28/6/94

Art has come to the people with an unusual project.

One of the freeway overpass pillars, facing into Wellington Street near the Perth Entertainment Centre, has been decorated with a giant mural.

The mural project was launched in Multicultural Week 1994 and is titled Tomorrow's Children Today.

The theme, depicting images of the diversity of today's multicultural generation, was selected to reflect and promote the benefits of Western Australia's multicultural community in the Year of The Family.

Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Minister Graham Kierath visited the site and unveiled a plaque to mark the completion of the project.

The mural was painted by four Perth artists using aerosol spray paint cans.

The artists are Jamie Mills, Steve Cross, Adrian Tan and Michael Barker, who have worked with the Graffiti Task Force to show other artists that something credible can be achieved within the 'system'.

The mural is 58m long and 2m high, and sited about 3m above ground level.  The artists have worked on scaffolding throughout the project.

The concept was also developed to highlight the work of the Graffiti Task Force.   It came about through the co-operation of the City of Perth, the City of Wanneroo, the Department for the Arts, the Office of Multicultural Interests and Main Roads, Western Australia, which has undertaken to maintain the completed mural.

The project was funded by grants of $2,000 from the Office of Multicultural Interests' Community Relations Grant Program, and $3,000 from the Department for the Arts.

Media contacts:  Brian Coulter (Minister's Office): 481.2133

Paula Christoffanini  (Office of Multicultural Interests): 222.0246