Street Art Projects

Work has just been completed on the pavilion (locally known as 'the bunker') in Aro Valley - as part of an ongoing citywide street art initiative to help prevent tagging.

The new artwork is a collaborative project between the Boys and Girls Institute, street artist Yelz and Aro Valley Community Centre. We've been given funds by the Ministry of Justice, and some of this money went towards the stunning new public artwork and more to come.

Wellington City Council's Arts and Culture Portfolio Leader, Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer, says by giving young people in the area the chance to work with respected street artists and learn from them, it's hoped they will be less likely to take to other people's property. "This could be the start of something big.

We're working closely with the Ministry of Justice, the Police, and a host of grass roots organisations to provide budding street artists with the space and the tutoring to become great public artists," says Ahipene-Mercer.

A new artwork now also adorns the building right next to the pharmacy building at 137 The Parade, thanks to the Eastern Southern Youth Trust and a new partnership with respected street artist Ghstie and the Island Bay Community Centre.

Many more street art projects are taking place in the city over the next few weeks.

So if you see someone with a spray can, think twice before labelling them as a tagger - they could be street artists carrying out commissioned work.