A group of young men have helped transform a Logan Central youth centre through a community mural project exploring the social and wellbeing benefits of art.
Griffith University researchers partnered with REKON Youth and young men aged 16 to 24 to design and paint a 7m by 3m mural at the Wilbur Street Youth Centre in Logan Central.
The mural, installed in the centre’s gaming room, was completed over three weekly sessions and gave participants the chance to collaborate, create on a large scale and contribute something lasting to their local community.
The project brought together researchers from Griffith University’s Queensland College of Art and Design, School of Education and Professional Studies, and School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work.
Artist and Griffith University LiveArt director Simon Degroot led the project and said it was created to give young men an opportunity to engage in artistic self-expression and build pride in their community.
“Not all young men are drawn to traditional outlets like sport – art is a powerful alternative that deserves to be taken seriously and actively encouraged,” Dr Degroot said.
“Mural painting is surprisingly physical work, and that hands-on energy makes it a genuinely great outlet for young men who might not see themselves in more conventional creative spaces.
“As a male artist myself, I think it matters that young guys who are interested in art can look around and see themselves represented – both in the people leading these projects and on the walls of their own community.”
Education and professional Studies Associate Professor Tasha Riley, who collaborated on the project, encouraged discussions during the sessions and interviewed participants about their experiences.
For some of the young men, it was their first time painting on such a large scale.
“It was my first time painting on such a big scale like this. I enjoyed it, it was fun,” one participant said.
“I learned patience doing the painting…you have to take it slow.”
Another participant said they felt proud every time they walked into the centre.
“The painting was quite easy. The hard part was deciding what to paint,” they said.
“We all had lots of ideas and we had to work as a team to decide on the design.
“I come to the centre every day and seeing the mural on the wall makes me feel proud.”
Associate Professor Riley said the collaborative nature of the project helped create space for conversations that might otherwise be difficult.
“Through the collaborative process of painting, these young men appeared to feel more comfortable speaking about the social issues shaping their lives, including their experiences at school, peer relationships, social pressures, and social media, as well as the things they felt proud of,” she said.
“The arts can be a great facilitator for talking about things people have a hard time saying.”
Social work researcher Joe Liang also worked on the project.
“The workshop played a significant role in promoting a sense of belonging amongst the young men and was a step forward in increasing their participation in community,” Dr Liang said.
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