The installation of a multicultural mural on the Alpha Street Pavilion in Cromwell was approved by the Cromwell Community Board (CCB) at its meeting last week.

A Welcoming Communities newcomer survey conducted in March 2022 revealed interest in creating artwork to depict different cultures in the community.

Welcoming Communities received a $10,000 grant from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for a welcoming activity that supports migrant participation in the community. 

The idea for a mural grew from there.

Welcoming Communities consulted with the Central Otago District Arts Trust (CODAT), which offered advice and gauged support for the mural.

After much discussion the Alpha Street Pavilion on the Alpha Street reserve was identified as an ideal canvas. 

CCB chair Anna Harrison said the pavilion was “one of our less attractive buildings” so a “fabulous mural” would be a much welcome addition to the town adding interest, colour and vibrancy.

Cromwell pavilion’s bland facade is set for a multicultural makeover. PHOTO: The Central App

The building’s key users are Cromwell junior and senior football clubs, which enjoy a culturally diverse group of members who all contribute to the Central Otago community. 

“Celebrating the diversity of the sport and the community through this art project seemed a natural choice,” Welcoming Communities officer Deborah Beange said.

The 8.4m x 2.4m mural will wrap around two building façades, giving it high visibility from local streets, the adjacent park and across the lake. 

The large-scale art is to be painted by renowned street artist Ling, a Dunedin-born artist currently based in Melbourne who specialises in large-scale installations.

Ling specialises in portraits. IMAGE: linger.id

Welcoming Communities, CODAT and the artist will involve the community in developing the design to ensure it represents and celebrates people in this community. 

Community ideas and geographical, social and cultural information will be provided to the artist to integrate into the mural design.

Should all external funding be secured for the $31,800 project, the mural will be completed by the end of June 2023.

See more work from Melbourne-based artist Ling here.