Busselton’s Vasse Diversion Drain mural shortlisted for national street art award
MacKillop Catholic College students with artist Andrew Frazer painting the mural
‘Preserve and Conserve’, painted on Water Corporations’ recently upgraded Vasse Diversion Drain, has been shortlisted for the 2022 Australian Street Art Awards’ Best External Mural gong.
The Australian Street Art Awards, established in 2018, recognises organisations like Water Corporation that use public art to attract visitors, boost the local economy and engage the community.
Street artist Andrew Frazer led the project with assistance from Year 4 - 6 students from Mackillop Catholic College in Busselton.
Mr Fraser also engaged with the students by hosting design workshops to develop art concepts that are reflective of the impact water has on the surrounding environment before painting of the 45-metre-long mural started.
Water Corporation Regional Manager Nicola Waite said “The awards recognise the importance of art projects like Water Corporation’s Splash of Colour program in regional towns and precincts – and the role they have in both the world of street and art tourism.
“I am thrilled the project has been nominated for such a prestigious award and that the students at Mackillop Catholic College could be involved,” she said.
Inspired by two words 'Preserve and Conserve', the mural was painted as part of the Water Corporation's Splash of Colour program - a curated public art series that celebrates water conservation and the important role this plays in the future of Western Australia.
The Australian Street Art Awards was the tourism industry’s first, and remains the largest, recognition program for excellence and innovation in art tourism.
Awards organiser Anne Rivers said, “Being shortlisted in these awards further cements the reputation of the southwest region as a destination for everyone who loves to discover visually stunning experiences.”
The judges commented that this year’s entries were of a very high calibre, with all nominees demonstrating determination and commitment to improving their community through the adoption of a swathe of creative projects.
Australian Street Art Awards categories will be announced during an online celebration of creativity on Friday 17 February.
Media contact:
Janine Stewart
Senior Advisor - Customer & Stakeholder
P: (08) 972525148
E: janine.stewart@watercorporation.com.au
Follow us on Twitter @watercorpwa
Mackillop Catholic College students help Water Corporation staff paint the mural
The finished product