Murgon Mural Project

The Murgon Mural Project (MMP) encompassed three mural projects in Murgon, Queensland during 2017-18, with the aim of activating community spaces and providing art mentorship opportunities for young people and local artists. 

Murgon Mural Project #1 – South Burnett PCYC (July 2017): Over 15 young people and community members took part in a one-day mural painting workshop at the South Burnett PCYC building in Murgon, with thanks to support from the PCYC and funding from the Australian Government Regional Arts Fund Quick Response program. Following a period of community consultation, Toowoomba-based artist Bronte Naylor led the workshops with facilitation support from emerging local artist Kane Brunjes. 

Lead Artist: Bronte Naylor | Support Artist: Kane Brunjes | Project Coordinator: Olivia Everitt

Murgon Mural Project #2 – Murgon Telstra Exchange (February 2018): In the second iteration of MMP, First Coat artist-in-residence Bronte Naylor worked with local artist Kane Brunjes to design and create a large-scale mural on the Telstra Exchange building in Murgon. The collaborative design was painted during a six-day project period and the artists also delivered an after-school workshop on stencilling techniques for local youth at the South Burnett PCYC. This project would not have been possible without project partners Telstra and South Burnett PCYC, and the support of Cr. Kathy Duff (South Burnett Regional Council). 

Mentor Artist: Bronte Naylor | Mentee Artist: Kane Brunjes | Project Coordinator: Olivia Everitt

Murgon Mural Project #3 – Murgon Visitor Information Centre (April-May 2018): The third project teamed up local artist Lee Porter with emerging local artist Carolyn Summers for a mentorship to design and deliver a mural spanning 6 walls at the Murgon Visitor Information Centre. With a design brief from Council to depict local tourism attractions, the artists painted scenes referencing the dairy and wine industry, local dams, Boat Mountain look-out and South Burnett Rail Trail. This project was funded by South Burnett Regional Council and the Australia Government Regional Arts Fund Quick Response program.

Mentor Artist: Lee Porter | Mentee Artist: Carolyn Summers | Project Coordinator: Olivia Everitt

Murgon Mural Project #4 - Murgon Youth Public Art Project, Lamb Street (September-October 2019): With a focus on engaging school-aged children and youth in creating public art within their community, the Lamb Street amenities block was transformed by 67 enthusiastic participants over three days of school holiday workshops. In partnership with South Burnett Regional Council and South Burnett PCYC, lead artist and workshop facilitator Kane Brunjes assisted young people from Murgon and Cherbourg aged from 3-15 make their mark on the community facility. Painting techniques using brushes, aerosols and accessible stencils made from PVC pipe and wood were demonstrated to workshop participants. This project was made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.

Facilitating Artist: Kane Brunjes | Project Coordinator: Olivia Everitt

Media:

Impressive art to be showcased on public toilet walls | The South Burnett Times, October 2019
Murals get tick of approval | South Burnett Online, May 2018
Six scenes selected for mural | South Burnett Online, April 2018 
Olivia wants your ideas ASAP | South Burnett Online, April 2018 
Splash of colour for Murgon wall | The South Burnett Times, February 2018 
Artists tackle another Murgon Mural | South Burnett Online, February 2018 
Art workshop at PCYC | South Burnett Online, January 2018
Nature takes over PCYC wall | South Burnett Online, July 2017
Mural leaving its mark on Murgon | The South Burnett Times, July 2017
Creative approach to youth engagement | The South Burnett Times, July 2017
New art space at Murgon PCYC | The South Burnett Times, June 2017

Images by Olivia Everitt, Bronte Naylor and Cr. Kathy Duff