School’s street art win to help ‘improve behaviour’

28 July 2020

Kruger State School will be home to a new mural by a local street artist, after winning an Ipswich Festivals competition.

Ipswich artist Corey Eggmolesse will be working with the Kruger State School community to design an artwork for one of the school’s walls, which teachers hope will encourage positive behaviour by artistically displaying their expectations and values.

The former Ipswich City FC player, who has designed Indigenous jerseys for several Ipswich sporting clubs, as well as painted murals for local businesses, said he is excited about the opportunity to inspire students.

"Being a proud Aboriginal man, stories in artwork are part of my culture,” Mr Eggmolesse said.

"There are no barriers, meaning art can speak to everyone that sees it, and often people mention to me that they feel inspired.

"This is exactly what excites me about painting a wall for the Kruger State School community. I have an amazing opportunity to inspire young children and deliver a positive message as an extension of the school’s personality.​”

The competition was launched by Ipswich City Council in partnership with Dulux as a warm up to Brisbane Street Art Festival, which will extend to Ipswich for the first time.

Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said it was a great opportunity to bring the community together while celebrating the city’s vibrant arts scene.

"It’s fantastic to see Ipswich artists connecting with schools through their art and having a positive impact on the next generation,” Cr Tully said.

"This is a great opportunity to use art as a force for change and to inspire creativity, not only within the school community, but right across Ipswich.”

Kruger State School Deputy Principal Tiffany Rigby thanked Ipswich City Council for the prize and said she was excited about how the mural could help shape the school’s culture.

"We have developed actions and are working to build a positive culture within our school and clear behaviour expectations,” Ms Rigby said.

"The Ipswich City Council competition is such an exciting opportunity to engage our students and improve their behaviour. We are very excited and thankful for this wonderful prize.”

Painting is underway for the Brisbane Street Art Festival Ipswich program ahead of street art workshops and public viewings on 8 and 9 August. Visit Ipswich Festivals or bsafest.com.au for more details on where to see the latest murals across the city.