Mural beautifies wall alongside the library
Eastland Network, Gisborne District Council and Project Ataahua are collaborating on the colourful artwork, which will welcome visitors to the renovated library due to open on April 16.
The mural is part of Project Ataahua. This award-winning team of Gisborne Girl’s High School students is taking part in the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), and commissioning a number of public artworks to beautify the city.
The council organised preparation and paint for the mural on Eastland Network’s substation building at the entrance to the library’s carpark. Eastland Network is sponsoring artist Lina Marsh.
“The library is a vital and much-loved civic amenity. With up to 5000 visitors a week, the need to expand the library was clear,” says council’s cultural activities manager, Pene Walsh.
“With the library transformation almost complete, we realised that the location of Eastland Network’s substation building offered a unique opportunity to extend and enhance the visitor experience.
“We approached Eastland Network and Project Ataahua and they jumped on board right away.
“It’s a great example of a collaborative approach bringing a unique piece of art to life for the whole community to enjoy.”
Eastland Network general manager Brent Stewart is enthusiastic about his business’s involvement in the mural project.
“We have a number of substations around the district, and this particular one is in a highly visible position. It’s a great opportunity to showcase some of the themes of the library, support a team of visionary secondary school students, and help contribute to our city’s range of public art.”
The Eastland Group brand symbol, the native falcon (karearea), will take viewers on a journey of imagination and learning. Artist Lina Marsh describes the inspiration behind the mural as, “Become like a bird, expand your wings, learn new things and fly high as you can.”
She has already created one mural for Project Ataahua, on the corner of Grey Street and Childers Road.
Nitha Vashti, CEO for Project Ataahua, says, “We’re delighted to work with Lina once again. The site is not only an ideal place to talk about journeys, it’s also brought together businesses and organisations who are focused on enhancing our public spaces and connecting with people.”
The work is due to be completed in time for the library building opening.