Community Canvas Project
Guiding a group of young artists through all the essentials of mural-making, culminating in a mural project led and executed by them.
Youth Led Mural At Stonnington City Council
Category: Community Murals
Workshop Process: Empowering the Next Generation of Mural Artists
In 2025, I had the privilege of co-leading the Community Canvas Project alongside artist Giovanna Da-silva, a vibrant initiative supported by Stonnington Youth Services. This week-long program was designed to empower local youth and emerging artists with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to create public art.
Throughout the first three days of the project, we worked closely with the participants to explore the fundamentals of mural-making—from concept development and composition to technique, colour theory, and scaling. We also provided guidance on how to pursue mural opportunities, navigate the professional art world, and expand their personal creative practice.
To ground the project in place and community, we began with an immersive walk around the local area. This walk served as a key inspiration point, helping participants connect with their surroundings and translate that connection into visual storytelling.
Collaborating Together
Refining Techniques
Learning All The Fundamentals
Mural That Make A Difference
Final Mural Outcome: Youth-Led, Community-Inspired
The final two days of the program were dedicated to bringing it all together. With the design developed collaboratively and inspired by the area walk, the group transformed the exterior wall of the Stonnington Youth Services building into a bold, large-scale mural.
Under our guidance, the young artists took the lead in executing the piece, applying the techniques and ideas they had explored throughout the week. The result is a vibrant public artwork that reflects both the individuality of the participants and their shared vision—anchored in the spirit of community, growth, and creative expression.
Wrap Up
This was an incredibly fun and rewarding project to be part of. Watching the group grow in confidence, skill, and creative vision over just a few days was a real highlight. Community engagement has always been a core part of my arts practice, and projects like this—where creativity, collaboration, and public art come together—are a powerful reminder of why I do what I do. It’s an honour to help create spaces where young artists feel seen, supported, and inspired to keep going.
Location: Stonnington Youth Services
Medium: Acrylic & Spray Paint On Rendered Wall
Client: Stonnington City Council