Community Art at Tunstall Square

 

The Community Art Project

A parking experience you can enjoy, at Tunstall Square.

A canvas for local artists and community groups. The Tunstall Square art project was designed to breathe new life into the car park and showcase local talent. An idea brought to life by Deakin University students and funded by Manningham City Council as a community grant.

Schools, community groups and local artists were invited to submit their designs, and then paint them directly onto the asphalt. Each artist had their own car space, and the community came down to watch the spaces being painted over two weekends. 

Getting the community together

“We want all the community to have a part in this project and to feel like this is home” - Gus El Moustafa, President of Tunstall Square Traders Association.

Fourteen car spaces were transformed and the community collaboration during the event is what Tunstall Square is all about. We strive to get our community together for projects and events which bring us closer and create memories. As well as build our community so that it is home for everyone.

“The kids are having a fabulous time, I think it’s something that will be memorable for them, One of the highlights for the school year” - Denise Kolokotronis, Teacher, Our Lady of the Pines Primary School.

Why we need art

Whether driven by the community or council, public art becomes a community asset and does more than just beautify our public spaces. Community art and community projects have been shown to improve social cohesion and community engagement. Public art projects also improve the mental and physical health of communities.

“If you get community groups involved, they feel pride in their own local space”- Kimberley Hughes, local artist.

Art promotes calm, and brings a sense of peace and happiness. Community art brings what is usually hidden, out into the open for the community to enjoy every day.

Art is here to stay

The artworks were created using local company, MPS Paving’s water-based acrylic coating Rhinotop. It has a non-skid texture making parking safer, resists the Australian sun, and protects against asphalt degradation. The durable coating is designed for concrete and asphalt so your community art will remain vibrant for years to come. 

Have a look for yourself

“Come down and check out the masterpieces at Tunstall Square Shopping Centre on the corner of Tunstall and Doncaster Roads in Doncaster East”- Mayor Cr Andrew Conlon.

Tunstall Square encourages all members of the community to come and have a look for yourself. See which space is your favourite and maybe join in on the fun in the next stage of the carpark.

Meet the artists – Know the stories

My son and I are of the Wurundjeri tribe, I painted a representation of an illness that my son has which is Diamond Blackfan Anaemia The image is Waa (a crow) flying off with the red diamond. Dale Wandin- local artist.

My car park Space honored the orchards around Doncaster and Templestowe. We still have orchards in Templestowe. Ani Ipradjian- local artist.

This brochure was written for assessment in 'Public Relations Writing and Tactics' in 2021.