Rangatahi create huge mural for Outdoor Activities Courtyard

A group of rangatahi have seen their creative vision come to life in a two-storey mural for the Youth Hub's Outdoor Activities Courtyard.  

The joint project between Youth Hub Christchurch and SCAPE Public Art, with support from Youth Hub architects Field Studio, is funded by the Farina Thompson Charitable Trust and Mahi Toi, with materials donated by Bunnings Shirley and Resene.

The project involved 10 rangatahi from local schools, including one current Youth Hub resident, mentored by professional mural artists, Richie (Pops) Baker and Lucas, and facilitated by SCAPE Public Art.

“We’re excited to be the enablers of youth-led public art,” says SCAPE Public Art Executive Director Richard Aindow. “The rangatahi deserve respect for working together with people they’ve never met before. They’ve each brought something special to this project.”

Chair of the Youth Hub Trust Dame Sue Bagshaw says she’s thrilled the white walls of the Hub’s Outdoor Activities Courtyard have been taken over by art.

“It’s been wonderful to watch the youth-led mural take shape. The very act of creating the mural is upskilling young people, providing real world experience, and enhancing their career-readiness, and I’m sure the finished work will be an ongoing source of inspiration and pride,” Dame Sue says.

In March, the rangatahi took part in four day-long SCAPE workshops that helped them develop the visual concept for the mural. The workshops were designed and led by SCAPE’s Education Manager Sarah Ackerley.

Throughout April and May, the rangatahi worked with Pops and Lucas to paint the 164-square metre mural, which wraps around two sides of the Hub’s Outdoor Activities Courtyard.

A community painting day was also held at the end of April.