Moreland Council has approved a planning permit that will see a new public art mural painted on a privately-owned heritage silo in Brunswick.
The concept of the mural project was initiated by local community members, who created a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $11,000 to fund the project.
The artwork is set to depict the widely publicised image of New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden, embracing a muslin woman following the Christchurch mosque shootings in March 2019.
Moreland Mayor Cr Natalie Abboud said this project was a credit to the community of Moreland, and the wider Melbourne community; who initiated and funded the project.
“Initiatives that positively influence harmonious connections in our community and bring people together are always welcome in the City of Moreland.”
“We embrace public art, where it can make public areas more attractive and enjoyable, give us pride in our public spaces and challenge perception and prejudices.
The chosen location for the artwork is on privately owned land, however due to the silo coming under a Heritage Overlay a planning permit was required to be submitted to Council for consideration of the heritage implications of painting the unpainted surface of the silo.
The silos were originally built in 1952 by Brunswick Plasters Mills Pty Ltd, who had occupied the original building factory since 1926. They are the last surviving remnants of the plaster factory and are a prominent local landmark that are visible from many parts of the area.
Under the Heritage Overlay, Council considered a number of factors of the application including whether the paint would adversely affect significance, character or appearance of the heritage place.
Council’s assessment with regard to Heritage matters is that painting the silos is an acceptable planning outcome as it does not change the form of the silos, occupies a single side and is not irreversible.
