CBD gets makeover with street art

Artist Jordan Andreotta with his Octopus painting on the old Salvation Army building.

You’ve probably already spotted some brand new art work additions in the CBD but keep your eyes peeled in the coming months for even more colour.

Commissioned by the City of Greater Geraldton, several local artists are using their artistic flair to increase vivacity as part of the City’s Vibrancy Strategy.

As part of strategy, the City asked for expressions of interest from artists, entrepreneurs, not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) and city centre landowners to come together in a bid to add some vibrancy to the city centre.

With support from the Arts and Cultural Development Council (ACDC), a number of local artists have been commissioned to complete various artworks around the CBD with final designs approved by a panel from the City.

These artists are Shahran Jackey, Michelle Santarelli, Jessica Bibby, Karen Sanders, Craig Maynard, Anthea da Silva, Jordan Andreotta and Rose Holdaway with the help of local organisations Mara Art Aboriginal Corporation and Bundiyarra Aboriginal Corporation.

City of Greater Geraldton Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said the City Vibrancy Strategy provided a framework for the City to raise the vivacity throughout Greater Geraldton.

“The artworks that we have already seen and the pieces we can expect in the coming months add even more character to our City,” he said.

“The City has invested considerable time and resources into the Vibrancy Strategy which will ultimately have a positive outcome for the community.”

Local artists Shahran Jackey, Michelle Santarelli, Jessica Bibby, Karen Sanders, Craig Maynard, Anthea da Silva and Jordan Andreotta.

Shah Jackey is currently working on a piece on a building in Marine Terrace which he says represents his love and passion for art.

“I can’t thank the City enough for this opportunity to express myself through art,” he said.

“I love the fact that I can create something beautiful that the community can enjoy.”

Other local artist Jordan Andreotta has also completed some artworks in the CBD which have a great local connection.

He has painted a Moorish Idol Fish on a building on Cathedral Avenue and also an octopus on the old Salvation Army building in Marine Terrace.

“I wanted my artwork to be able to resonate with the community so I’ve stuck with a theme of local sea creatures,” he said.

“The Moorish Idol Fish is a local species and I found the shape was very interesting and the fish was slightly obscure.

“The feedback on the work so far has been really positive and it’s been a really good experience.”

Shah Jackey begins his artwork in Marine Terrace.