Te Atatū Walls is a public art project that will take existing blank walls in the community and turn them into public works of art that will make the Peninsula a vibrant and creative place where people are proud to live.
We will work with local businesses and the business association to use blank walls on the side of buildings. The murals will make alley ways and public spaces more appealing, interesting, vibrant and much nicer places to walk.
To begin with this project can start with artist Kate Hursthouse painting one mural in a location to be determined. The goal, with additional funding, would be to turn this concept into a mural festival that happens over a weekend. There would be a map of where each wall is being painted and the community would be encouraged to walk around and visit the artists while they are creating. The Peninsula is flat and easily walkable and it would create an immersive and interactive event. It could also be tied in with an event, or one of the weekend markets. There is the option to also have an artist exhibition in the community centre over the weekend. The Peninsula is home to several talented artists so the goal would be for the murals to be created by local Te Atatū artists. Local art and design students from the High School could be assistants to the artists.
Kate Hursthouse is a local Te Atatū Peninsula artist and creative business owner. Her work has taken on a number of forms from contemporary artworks and commercial illustrations to an illustrated children’s book and large hand-painted murals in both NZ and the USA. Kate also teaches creative workshops, mentors artists on the business of art and hosts a podcast.
Kate Hursthouse, with local collaborators
Feb - March 2023
Te Atatū Peninsula
Creative Henderson-Massey