Artwork at Blue Gum Community Centre.
Camera IconArtwork at Blue Gum Community Centre. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Artists hop to it at Blue Gum centre

Emma ClaytonMelville Gazette

Entering into its ninth year, PHAZE is the only legal urban art project in Perth that offers young people the chance to paint with aerosols under the guidance and mentoring of a professional urban artist, at identified public sites across the City of Melville.

Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey said PHAZE was established in 2007, inspired by a group of young Melville residents who petitioned the City for a legal writing wall and succeeded in convincing council that the project was needed.

"At the outset of PHAZE, skate parks were identified as appropriate sites for young artists to showcase their art, however in order to encourage more young people out into the community, the scope of the project has been broadened to include walls and buildings identified by the City as graffiti hotspots," Mr Aubrey said.

"Under the guidance of professional urban artist Dan Duggan, the positive benefits of PHAZE include mentoring, skills, creative development and very importantly a stronger sense of community and connectedness for young people aged 12 to 25, who can participate freely in a creative space," he said.

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As Dan Duggan worked with the young artists through a series of design workshops held at Blue Gum Community Centre, the participants were able to develop their skills and interest and also engage with members of the community while they were painting, receiving feedback, ideas and inspiration.

The 2015-2016 season of PHAZE will begin on Sunday, September 27, and will run through at different sites every month until May 2016. The City is calling now for registrations.