Residents are invited to participate in an unveiling event for the new mural at the Alpha St Pavilion in Cromwell.

The mural adorns the building used by the Cromwell Football Club and has been painted by renowned street artist Ling, who is Dunedin-born, but based in Melbourne. 

The artwork is 8.4m by 2.4m and features a variety of faces from Central Otago's community to highlight cultural diversity, while acknowledging the way sport brings people together.

Street artist Ling at work with a spray can. PHOTO: Central Otago District Arts Trust

The faces of the mural, Alice, Robin, Tina, Diego, Ollie and Hunter represent those who have been welcomed, and those who welcome others into our community.

Red and blue are the Cromwell sporting colours and the brushstroke background of the work acknowledge this.

Representative from Central’s Pasifika community Kusitina, artist Matt (Ling) and representative from Ni-van community Robin, back in May when the work on the mural started. PHOTO: CODC

The official celebration of the mural coincides with the beginning of Bislama Language Week 2023 on Sunday, November 12.

Bislama is the language of Vanuatu, where many of Central Otago's recognised seasonal employees (RSE) come from. 

From October throughout November there are about 390 Ni-vans (people from Vanuatu) arriving in Central Otago for the following seven months' of work in horticulture and viticulture.

Everyone is welcome at the celebration, which will feature a few formalities, followed by light refreshments, music, and games of football and volleyball, from 2pm to 4pm.

The mural was commissioned by Central Otago District Arts Trust (CODAT), in partnership with Central Otago District Council’s Welcoming Communities.

Another view of the mural and explanatory panel. PHOTO: supplied

The Central App will bring you more information about Bislama Language week in a few days time.