#Public2015: Are murals enough to give Perth City a cultural identity?

By Wirnida Azman Murals by local and international artists have coloured the walls of Perth during the Perth International Street Art Festival 2015. The festival was an initiative by Form, a non-profit organisation, which aims to make Perth a vibrant place with its own cultural identity. The festival was a success as Form received many proposals from artists, international and local, who wanted to contribute their artwork during the festival More than 50 artists were selected to paint 42 walls at distinctive urban neighbourhoods such as Fremantle, Leederville, Victoria Park, Claremont, Perth CBD and Northbridge in the week-long event from 10 – 19 April 2015. Marina Lommerse, who painted Terra Rosa building at South Fremantle, is in the process of transitioning to a full-time painter.   She said the festival creates a platform for painters like her to establish their names in the art scene as wall paintings are more public than canvas paintings. She believes street art paintings will not create a distinct culture overnight for Perth. Ms Lommerse says a one-off event is a start but it is a long term project and, over time, it will change people’s thinking and slowly change the culture of the city. She hopes more people will want their buildings painted after this festival. Fellow Perth artist, Brenton See, is also optimistic. “In Australia, Melbourne is known for its street arts culture and I think Form wants to bring that to Perth,” he said. Mr See said that 2016 would be the last year Form conducts the street art festival but the initiative by Form has led to him and friends interested in continuing the work.   Here you can meet artists Marina Lommerse and Brenton See: