To install a mural on the facade of Mingenew Supermarket, Midlands Rd as a traffic calming measure. The mural, conceived through community feedback, will incorporate elements reflecting the indigenous culture and history of the area, linking traditional and modern concepts. Mingenew Supermarket, 52 Midlands Rd, Mingenew. Please see attachment.
Build local capability and capacity The Mingenew Antics town team has now successfully delivered and completed a sizable project. This experience has provided valuable experiences in grant writing, financial planning/budgeting, and project management. Mingenew Antics is now in a stronger position with funding bodies, should we choose to develop and apply for further initiatives in the future.
To change attitudes and behaviours around speed to emphasise streets for people over cars Anecdotally, the mural has encouraged drivers to perceive the street not merely as a thoroughfare for vehicles, but as a shared space for people. This has led to increased awareness of pedestrians, a reduction in speeds, and an overall improvement in pedestrian safety. With further investment in soft traffic calming initiatives, it is anticipated that these changes will result in more sustainable, long-term adjustments in driving behaviour within the area.
To improve the aesthetic appeal of the main street/centre The mural has transformed a previously dull and neglected public space into a vibrant and visually appealing environment for: • Residents engaging with local businesses and services • Tourists and visitors interacting withour business and tourist offerings • Motorists passing through the town This positive impact is reflected in feedback from community members, including a personal commendation from a councillor of City of Greater Geraldton, who praised the mural and its impact to our main street.
To increase the value / level of appreciation for public art. The mural installation has notably increased the value and appreciation of public art within the community, local businesses, and the local government. It has highlighted the role of public art in enhancing aesthetics, promoting cultural identity, and fostering civic pride. This has led to a greater desire for investment in future art projects and is evidenced by both the artist & Mingenew Antics receiving several enquiries from residents, shires (local and surrounding) and local businesses seeking to commission artworks or find out how to engage artists. New building owners on the main street were amongst those who contacted the artist in attempt to replicate its success for a 2025 project.
To enhanced community identity and pride The mural has played an important role in enhancing community identity and pride, as demonstrated by several positive developments:
- Residents, businesses and visitors expressed positive feedback on the project’s progress and completion posts’ online.
- The artist received a significant number of one-on-one interactions and positive feedback from community members during its development.
- The supermarket owners have invested in new signage to complement the mural, reinforcing its visual impact and completing the building’s façade renovation.
- The local school spoke to its school students about the mural and the artist, focusing on the significance of the arts to community, career opportunities as an artist and the value of volunteering to community to further reinforce community pride.
The mural encourages community members and visitors to engage with public art, potentially leading to a boost in tourism or local interest in art. The mural has already been discussed on the social media fb site titled “Australian Art Trails” by an avid public art blogger David Himing. He visited Mingenew when he heard that the artist was painting a mural in town however the mural wasn’t completed at that point. This site has a reach of 68,700 members so I look forward to the completed mural being photographed and discussed on that platform soon.
