Community art brightens Melton South shopping strip

Last month 15 community members and local businesses in Melton South collaborated with international artist Candela Alconada  to transform the shopping precinct on Exford Road and Staughton Street through a vivid art mural based on the theme “The Stories That Connect Us”.

The goal of this collaboration was to co-design a mural to highlight community connectedness, diversity and local pride as shared common ground while challenging the stigma of Melton South as being unsafe.

The area is well known for its diverse selection of international cuisine which is a reflection of the diverse community that it services.

“ A down to earth and diverse place where everyone accepts and respects each other. The Melton South community are a diverse range of people that get along, like to meet new people, mentor each other to learn, be inspired and kind.” 
Statement from an engagement activity held in preparation for the project

Local community were first invited to attend two consecutive workshops led by Candela to design the mural.  

The same group was then involved in the painting which took place over two Saturdays.  The participants were so engaged that they almost forgot to stop for lunch which, of course, was catered for by local businesses in the precinct who were happy with the excitement and buzz that the painting day generated.

The mural is painted along the back of the long retaining wall that stretches around Staughton Street and Exford Road in the pop up park installed late last year.

Many curious community members passed by on the day expressing support and excitement as it came together before their eyes.  

Watch our video to see how community, businesses, Council and Djerriwarrah Health got together to create a public art mural that tells a unique story of Melton South.  

The project was funded and organised by Council’s Arts and Economic Development teams and partially funded through the Victorian State Governments Neighbourhood Activity Centre Renewal Fund.   

So, how can public art murals boost the economic value of an area? Murals have the opportunity to tell the community's story, create a unique experience, engage citizens, increase foot traffic and business patronage all while beautifying a space.

Here’s how:  

• They become unique place markers that grab people’s attention as they drive, walk or cycle by.

• They offer people a unique experience which attracts people and makes them stay longer, and be likely to spend more money in the area.

• When you have more people in a space you can create what is called passive surveillance. This can increase the perception of safety in an area.

• The Victoria Police report that murals not only beautify a space, but they also help to prevent incidents of graffiti and tagging which can make places seem unkept and unsafe.

• Bright colours in public spaces can lift people’s moods and make them feel more relaxed.

• You can further increase social capital and economic value by involving the local community in a mural project. People like to see themselves reflected in their community, and by providing this you also draw out the unique identity and stories of a place. This creates a unique local experience that many people seek.

Keep an eye out in Melton South as we continue to work with local businesses through the Neighbourhood Activity Centre Renewal Fund to further transform the area.