The project offers a number of potentially useful aspects for schools and in particular alignment with the new curriculum's key competencies. Working with the local community will form an important part of the project and will be the key to its success.
At present the area is a cut through between Gordon and Tirarau Streets, bounded on both sides by wooden fences and a storm drain running the length of the space. As it is not overlooked, some of the fences have graffiti on them, with the potential to spread to neighbouring areas. The project aims to preempt any escalation in vandalism by involving the local community in developing solutions to the problem.
If the graffiti is simply painted over, it might lead to a time consuming and expensive battle of painting out graffiti as it happens and keep on doing this week in week out. It also does nothing to target the underlying problems. By working with the local community and schools we hope to develop a scheme which is 'owned' by those involved in its creation.
Using the arts as a starting point for engaing with the local community enables a variety of opportunities to be explored, which cover the different aspects of the project and pull them together into a coherent scheme. The various elements include the storm drain, which is hoped will be developed into a healthy ecosystem. The fencing which will be adapted to resist further vandalism and a variety of other ideas to be developed during the project.
