Wellington City Council is on the hunt for a couple of experienced artists to work on two mural projects in the Capital’s southern suburbs, which will involve work with young people from two local primary schools.
The artists will each team up with 20 children aged 9–10 from Berhampore School and Newtown School respectively. Working with the students, a local youth organisation and the Council’s City Arts team, the artists will guide the development of a mural from design to painting.
The mural will be developed through a series of workshops facilitated by a local youth organisation with the students. The design must be an original concept that reflects the spirit of the neighbourhood and helps to deter tagging.
The Council’s Arts and Culture Portfolio Leader, Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer, says the projects are part of a new pilot programme being trialled in Wellington called Paint Up.
“This is a great initiative that will help young people develop painting and design skills while learning about their neighbourhood’s heritage and participating in a project that adds vibrancy to their local streetscape.”
Katie Taylor-Duke, from the Council’s City Arts team, says the Paint Up project will also give children an insight into the social and economic impacts of tagging.
“As well as teaching the children new skills, we want to encourage them to take ownership of their neighbourhoods. Murals are a big part of our graffiti management strategy – as well as being nice to look at, they’re a great way to reduce tagging while promoting a sense of safety in our communities.”

Artists who are keen to get involved should submit their CV – along with a portfolio of up to five previous works, and a 250-word summary of why they’d be suitable for the project – by email to katie.duke@wcc.govt.nz by 12 noon on Wednesday 17 July.