A smoking ceremony has welcomed Townsville City Council’s first street art project on Magnetic Island.
Indigenous artist Nicky Bidju Pryor was commissioned to complete a Great Barrier Reef-inspired artwork at the Horseshoe Bay public toilets.
Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the mural has brightened up the area.
“This is the first street art we’ve commissioned on Magnetic Island,” Cr Greaney said.
“The artwork aims to build a bridge between modern and traditional cultures –the fish represent diversity and differences moving together.”
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the street art project was another great example of how Works for Queensland is delivering for Townsville.
“This is a great new addition to Magnetic Island that will make this tourism icon even more appealing to visitors,” he said.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Palaszczuk Government’s Works for Queensland program was designed to build better communities and create job opportunities for locals.
“This street art will welcome locals and visitors to Horseshoe Bay – which is arguably Townsville’s tourism crown jewel,” Mr Stewart said.
“Nicky is a Townsville-based Indigenous artist and it’s fantastic that he was commissioned to paint such a vibrant artwork on the building.
“This is just one of the many Works for Queensland projects delivered in partnership between Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government to improve the local community.”
Cr Greaney said Council is keen to support more artists across the city.
“This is Nicky’s second solo Council project and he’s very active in the community,” Cr Greaney said.
“This artwork was funded by the State Government’s Works for Queensland program and it shows graffiti artists there are legal ways to express themselves.
“Council is keen to support local artists and this project shows we can offer them some interesting locations.”
Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said Mr Bidju Pryor is working closely with Townsville’s Indigenous artists.
“Nicky was mentored by leading Townsville artist Garth Jankovic and he’s giving back to the community by working with Wulgurukaba artists on large mural projects,” Cr Doyle said.
“He’s showing other Indigenous artists how to create large scale street art projects.
“We hope visitors to Horseshoe Bay take a moment to enjoy it.”
The public toilet facilities were funded through the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program and the project was completed in November 2017.
