An exciting new mural by local Indigenous artist Nicholas Currie has been completed at the Hurstbridge Basketball Stadium.
Hands of Hurstbridge celebrates our local sporting community while paying respect to Indigenous culture and the Wurrundjeri people.
The bold and vibrant mural, across two sections outside the stadium, features a figure playing basketball and the handprints of a local Wurrundjeri elder. It is located on the southwest side of the stadium next to the netball courts in the Graysharps Road Open Space Precinct, and welcomes visitors arriving into Hurstbridge from the newly extended Diamond Creek Trail.
Nicholas Currie is a rising star of the art world. Originally from Hurstbridge, he moved to the Northern Territory before returning to Diamond Creek and attending Diamond Valley Secondary College.
“The idea for the mural I painted came from a practice of mine using my body as printing mediums, like a stamp. Hands are wonderful things, having distinct shapes and symbolism across a diverse perspective,” Nicholas said.
“With the figure, I wanted a cool person playing basketball that reflected the community of Hursty but the grander community of sports.”
This is the second mural Nicholas has painted although his work spans a variety of mediums.
“I’m a jack of all trades, even though my name’s Nick. Paintings, sculptures and performances are the main three I explore regularly, yet I’m honestly happy to get my hands messy with anything new,” he said.
“I loved being in the elements and ‘on site’ again while painting this mural. Working in the public it was a nice surprise to be greeted with such positive feedback from the community.
“I hope this warms the area up and inspires more young creative people to strive to paint large and paint unapologetically.”
The mural has been made possible through the Victorian Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund, helping councils to transform outdoor areas.
Mayor Frances Eyre said projects such as this were an important part of the post-COVID-19 recovery, helping the community and businesses return in a way that was safe, viable and sustainable.
“We’re thrilled we were able to engage Nicholas Currie, who is such a talented local Indigenous artist, to complete the mural,” Cr Eyre said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to support Reconciliation and celebrate Indigenous culture in our community through public art.”
Bunjil Ward Councillor Karen Egan said the mural was a great addition to the precinct.
“This is one of a range of fantastic improvements planned for this area, which is becoming one of the key gateways to Hurstbridge following the completion of the Diamond Creek Trail.”
