Ash Bolt
A group of women street artists will turn walls and laneways in Central Geelong into their canvas to celebrate women in art and contribute to the city’s artistic culture.
The City of Greater Geelong’s $150,000 Street Art Commission Project has commissioned nine women artists to complete creative works in the city throughout April.
A selection panel has curated the program to coordinate artists with sites around Little Malop Street, Little Ryrie Street, James Street, Wright Place, Cuzens Place, Minns Lane, and Ryrie Street.
The project aims to strengthen the representation of women artists in street art given it has largely been a male dominated industry.
Artists commissioned by the city include Minna Leunig (at Cavalier’s Art Supplies in Wright Place), Jasmine Crisp (Cuzens Place) and Ebony Gulliver.
The project will also see pieces from Kerrie Poliness (at Piano Bar), Manda Lane (pedestrian entrance to Civic Car Park on Little Malop Street corner), Jasmine Mansbridge (Totally Smiles), Lucy Lucy (Crest Dry Cleaning), Viki Murray (at various sites around CBD) and Baby Guerilla (column on Civic Car Park).
Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said the program was about bringing colour to the laneways and generating jobs for workers in some of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic.
“If you’re out seeing live entertainment or enjoying the fabulous food and wine in Little Malop Street, you’ll be able to spot some amazing artworks from women street artists,” he said.
“We want to entice people to come and enjoy the free outdoor gallery in Central Geelong.”
Hamilton-based artist Jasmine Mansbridge said she was proud to create a mural on James Street spanning almost five metres in height and 18 metres in length.
“The opportunity to paint in Geelong where I have a studio is a privilege and this work allows me to engage with the local community on a greater level,” she said.
“The work invites connection creating a meditative and contemplative space for viewers.”
Creative communities and culture portfolio deputy chair Jim Mason said the project would create a cultural legacy for Central Geelong.
“Australia has some of the best street artists in the world, so we want to promote their work while increasing foot traffic in the city,” Cr Mason said.
“We’re creating a network of connected artworks across Central Geelong to help make the city a more fun and vibrant place.”
