Artists Steph Hughes and Glen Walton thought outside the box, proposing a workbook style pen/art pal process where participation was completed at home, then scanned and arranged digitally by the artists, to form the mural template to then be painted on the external walls of Coburg library. A great example of what engaged placemaking can achieve even during challenging times.
The project needed to pivot from the original proposal of face to face workshops with participants to navigate the new COVID-19 world and associated restrictions. Despite the challenges, the artists were able to design a process where an older and younger participant were paired and able to build a relationship via guided art activities in the workbooks that went back and forth like a pen pal scenario. The design of these workbooks could and should be patented!
With much quarantining and safety protocols implemented once the professional design process was reviewed and approved internally by Council, the project pushed forth - we knew many of Moreland’s residents were now stuck at home… many alone.
The artists exceeded expectations with the entire process. The workbook and mural design process, plus the mural installation show extraordinary ideas and execution. An additional online gallery that merges the images created by participants to create new collaborative images of the project was also agreed upon by the project team for prosperity which went beyond the design brief. Anyone, anywhere can access 'FACES & PLACES' via Playable Streets / Playable Web (weblink included within Design Team section and image included within this nomination).
