The mural in Waiho Tce, Elsdon.
A 38-metre long retaining wall in Elsdon has been given a colourful new life thanks to residents, an artist and the Council.
Waiho Tce, a cul-de-sac in Porirua’s west, was painted over three weeks by community artist Chris Barrand and 14 residents, who committed their time by stencilling and painting. Funding for the project was provided by Porirua City Council.
“Being involved in projects like this connects people and enables communities to control an aspect of the decision-making process,” Barrand said.
“Murals not only address the issue of urban and residential spaces that have become the target of taggers, but also, in commissioning murals, the expectations of residents are raised by the positive benefits of having vibrant artworks on previously graffitied walls.”
Barrand said local residents who got involved with the mural wanted a realistic representation of the view from Waiho Tce over the inlet and hills beyond, which has been borne out in the finished work.
Porirua City graffiti management co-ordinator Richard Witheford-Smith said it was a fantastic example of a project involving the community and has already led to some “art tourism”, as people come deliberately for a look.
4 Mar 2020
