Published on Thursday, 29 February 2024 at 1:59:02 PM
The Town of Port Hedland has received international recognition for the Hedland Street Art Festival held in 2023.
The Town was awarded the prestigious Centrepiece Award at the Place Leaders Asia Pacific Awards held in Brisbane on 29 February. The award is a Jury’s choice award and is given to the individual or organisation that has displayed overall excellence in placemaking from all categories in Australasia and the Asia Pacific region.
The Street Art Festival, part of the Welcome to Hedland Weekender event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of South Hedland, saw significant community participation to create 14 street art murals to revitalise the South Hedland Town Centre.
Artists collaborated with local organisations, professional mentors and over 200 young people to create murals that share Hedland’s diverse history, with three local Aboriginal artists also securing their first public street art commission to share seven First Nations stories.
Mayor Peter Carter said the award was a testament to the Town’s commitment to fostering community engagement and revitalising public spaces.
“The community is proud that this project has created public artwork that reflects our identity, while also increasing the liveability and lovability of Hedland,” he said.
“The international recognition of Hedland’s community participation further highlights the project's success in fostering community ownership and collaboration.”
The Street Art Festival was driven by the community as a result of objectives established in the South Hedland Place Plan. The aim was to enhance the liveability and sense of place by creating authentic visual storytelling and fostering community involvement.
“The Street Art Festival created a vibrant space and revived a sense of pride with participants reporting that the extensive participation in the design process made them feel more connected in their community,” Mayor Carter said.
“This recognition at the Place Leaders Asia Pacific Awards underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in placemaking, with initiatives like the South Hedland Street Art Festival serving as a driver for positive change and community pride.”
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