New CBD mural to feature sporting legend Cathy Freeman
Date published: 17 June 2016
A new sports-themed mural is taking shape along Ogden St adding colour and vibrancy to the rear façade of one of Townsville’s longest running businesses.
A partnership between Townsville City Council and Angus Smith Sportspower is revitalising the wall as part of council’s Street Art Activation Framework.
Expressions of interest went out in April for a Townsville-based artist to create a contemporary or aerosol design and the winning artists were Shane Keen and John Bradshaw of the Run Collective.
Their mural will feature a portrait of sporting legend Cathy Freeman surrounded by sporting equipment.
Artist Shane Keen said they chose Cathy Freeman because of her connection to communities around Queensland and Palm Island.
“Cathy Freeman is an inspiration to local indigenous youth and the rising sports stars of tomorrow, so we thought it would be appropriate to feature her in our mural,” Mr Keen said.
“Our friend Michelle Hall, an artist and school teacher on Palm Island, connected us to the Cathy Freeman Foundation and Cathy was excited to be a part of our new work.”
Council’s Street Art Activation Working Group member Cr Russ Cook said the project was another addition to the growing number of artworks in the CBD.
“Townsville already boasts a number of impressive murals from artists such as ROA and HAHA, and we are building on this emerging, vibrant street art scene with this new mural in Ogden St,” Cr Cook said.
“The Run Collective was chosen from a number of excellent submissions as the work they proposed makes excellent use of the space available, and conceptually makes a strong link between the general sports theme and the Townsville community.
“Their new mural will be an eye-catching addition to one of the city’s busy thoroughfares.”
Ben Smith of Angus Smith Sportspower said he was thrilled with the design and hoped the new façade would offer passers by much enjoyment.
