Eastland Network, Gisborne District Council and Project Ataahua are collaborating on a new mural that will welcome visitors to the Bright Street entrance of the HB Williams Memorial Library.
The mural is part of Project Ataahua. This award-winning team of Gisborne Girl’s High School students is taking part in the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), and commissioning a number of public artworks to beautify the city.
The council organised the preparation and paint for the mural, which is gradually taking shape on Eastland Network’s substation building at the entrance to the library’s carpark. Eastland Network is sponsoring local artist Lina Marsh.
“The library is a vital and much-loved civic amenity. With up to 5,000 visitors a week, the need to expand the library was clear,” says council’s Cultural Activities Manager, Pene Walsh.
“With the library transformation almost complete, we realised that the location of Eastland Network’s substation building offered a unique opportunity to extend and enhance the visitor experience. We approached Eastland Network and Project Ataahua, and they jumped on board right away. It’s a great example of a collaborative approach bringing a unique piece of art to life for the whole community to enjoy.”
Eastland Network general manager Brent Stewart is enthusiastic about his business’s involvement in the mural project.
“We have a number of substations around the district, and this particular one is in a highly visible position. It’s a great opportunity to showcase some of the themes of the library, support a team of visionary secondary school students, and help contribute to our city’s range of public art.”
The Eastland Group brand symbol, the native falcon (karearea), will take viewers on a journey of imagination and learning. The mural will weave in elements and motifs from the library’s design and visual themes, including constellations and landscaping, while reflecting the importance of books as building blocks for our learning, culture and language.
Artist Lina Marsh describes the inspiration behind the mural as: “Become like a bird, expand your wings, learn new things and fly high as you can.”
She has already created one mural for Project Ataahua, on the corner of Grey St and Childers Road.
Nitha Vashti, CEO for Project Ataahua, says, “We’re delighted to work with Lina once again. The site is not only an ideal place to talk about journeys, it’s also brought together businesses and organisations who are focused on enhancing our public spaces and connecting with the people of Tairawhiti.”
Work on the mural is underway, and due to be completed in the next few weeks, in time for the reopening of the library building.
Photo: Gisborne Herald