Youth Precinct Mural Brings A New 'Pulse'

Visitors to the youth precinct this past week may have noticed something new.

While the precinct was closed due to COVID-19, one of our region’s local artists had been quietly working on a new mural project titled ‘Pulse’.

The project brief set by Council’s Public Art Advisory Committee required commissioned artist EJ Zyla to consult with young people on the concept and design.

Young people were consulted on site, and a questionnaire sent to local schools invited students to put forward ideas on the colours, theme and design of the mural.

Along with the feedback from young people, EJ Zyla used the facility and what it represents as inspiration for her artwork.

“The background fluid design creates movement and rhythm like the motion of skating - freedom of expression. The frontispieces are the ‘obstacles’ like those used in the layout of the skate park’s construction,” EJ said.

Arts, Culture and Open Space portfolio holder, Cr Stewart, said that with all the challenges facing the arts sector during this time, it was great to be able to provide this opportunity to one of our own local artists.

“We know that our artists, entertainers and others in the creative industries have been really struggling.

“We hope that projects like these reassure them that we appreciate the value they bring to our communities,” Cr Stewart said.

This project is an initiative of the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between Gympie Regional Council and the Queensland Government to support local arts and culture in regional communities.

An invitation for local artists to submit Expressions of Interest for the project was advertised in February this year and applications were reviewed by the Public Art Advisory Committee. A young local artist was also invited to participate on the panel to select the artist for the project.