Narellan Library Murals, a wall of public art

Colourful mural artwork

The casual observer may have noticed the colourful murals outside the Narellan Library along Queen Street Narellan.

These mural artworks were commissioned by Camden Council in 2017, which engaged mural artist Mandy Salter.

Salter collaborated with local young artists as part of Camden Council’s 2017-2018 Youth Public Art Participation Project.

The designs were settled after a workshop in January 2018  and depict young people reading and playing, and the design incorporates living plants and a 3-D sensory element. (CC Media Release 19 April 2018)

Mayor Lara Symkowiak stated:

This large-scale artwork incorporates bold colours and imagery that brings colours and aspects of the library out into the street. The use of plants as part of the art creates a really dynamic sensory and textural element to the project. The artwork has been welcomed by the community, who have offered a lot of positive feedback to library staff and the artist. (CC Media Release 23 May 2018)

The mural artwork was commenced in April 2018 and completed in late May. (CC Media Release 19 April 2018)

Youth Participation Public Art Program

The Narellan Library murals were part of Camden Council’s Youth Participation Art Project, which began in 2016 as a place-making initiative to create a sense of identity and belonging.

Established artists were engaged to mentor young artists and provide an opportunity for them to tell a personal story with new, distinctive, and innovative approaches.

The project covered the entire local government area and developed artworks on bus shelters, small-scale mural and pavement artworks, and a series of ARTangle display boxes at Oran Park.

The $25,000 budget from the youth project provided the funding for the Narellan Library murals. (CC Media Release 23 May 2018)

Mural artist Mandy Salter

Camden Council commissioned Blue Mountains-based mural artist Mandy Salter to undertake the murals at Narellan Library.

Salter draws her inspiration from a range of sources and writes on her LinkedIn page

 My art is all about making a difference and telling stories that inspire change. I’m not afraid to push boundaries and create visually stunning pieces that leave a lasting impression. I believe art has the power to transform society, and I’m excited to keep exploring and creating meaningful artworks that make an impact.

I love transforming urban spaces and grey walls into captivating artworks, and nature is my greatest inspiration. When I paint a mural, I want to bring the beauty of nature into the city. By combining mostly flora and fauna in an man-made environment, I hope to create a connection between them that feels balanced and peaceful.

I believe that by adding touches of colour and nature to our cities, we can make people’s everyday lives happier and more meaningful.

Mural artist Mandy Salter writes on her website and states:

My imagery often features children and/ or our native flora and fauna giving a voice to those who need it the most. Today we are more disconnected to our natural world than ever before.  Through my artworks, I want to highlight the important relationship between nature and humans by painting local flora and fauna in an urban environment. We need to be reminded of our role as custodians and protect what is left for future generations to come.

Mural artworks are a tool for economic development

Mural artworks are part of public artworks and can provide a source of economic development and have been used to build a sense of place and community identity in small country communities.

The first mural art to appear on siloes and public buildings appeared in Western Australia in 2015 and has since sparked interest across rural Australia.

Chris Fry writes about the Western Australia silo art trail.

Silo Art is all about turning dull grey silos into beautiful pieces of artwork.  Silo art has become a surefire way to draw visitors to small communities across the country. Many people now travel to towns they would otherwise have never heard of to see these beautifully decorated silos. Hopefully spending some time and money in the community in the process.

In country New South Wales, the silo art trail has sparked a growth in local tourism. Annette Green writes:

For us, Australia’s New South Wales Silo Art Trail was a wonderful experience and a fantastic opportunity to explore unknown territory. We travelled through towns we had never heard of before and probably would never had visited if it was not for the Australian Silo Art Trail. 

The Central University of Arkansas Center for Community and Economic Development director Amy Whitehead says that community murals can generate economic development. The Centre’s website states:

Finally, one of the most important aspects of a mural is its connection to community history and values. This provides community attachment to the mural, making people more likely to want to preserve the mural while also attracting tourists looking for art that reflects local culture.  

Murals have the opportunity to tell the community’s story, create a unique experience, engage citizens, increase foot traffic and tourism, increase appreciation for the arts and artists, and increase overall attractiveness of the space.

Mural artwork is an outdoor art gallery

Mural artwork is a form of street art that emerged from the counterculture of the 1980s and 1990s and provides an outdoor art gallery for all to enjoy. Mural art is accessible and democratic.

The Australia Your Way website states that

Street art has the power to bring imagination and expression to the dreariest parts of a city. Street art has come to be valued across the world for its playful, intelligent, and striking contributions to the modern city.

Australian street artist, muralist, and illustrator Happy Decay states

 Murals can create a sense of community, beautify urban spaces, express historical and cultural identity, raise awareness about social issues, and inspire creativity and wonder. As such, they are a powerful tool for making cities more vibrant, engaging, and meaningful places to live.