Artists transform Māngere Library’s derelict graffiti wall

Once an underused display and a target for graffiti, the canvas outside Māngere Library in South Auckland now hosts one of the town's art projects.

The Māngere Arts Centre (MAC) Canvas Project is a place where local South Auckland artists can showcase their work for a month before making way for the next exhibit.

Predominantly of Māori and Pasifika descent, these artists gain a valuable platform to publicly display their work.

Michelle Greig, the Gallery Coordinator for Wellbeing at the Māngere Arts Centre, says she was challenged by her boss to revitalise the space when it was derelict and covered in graffiti.

"We just had these boards on the walls outside the library …we came up with the conclusion to use it and promote more artworks, especially from local talent," Greig says.

Since February, the local artists have featured their work each month, generating interest within the community, she says.

Other artists from different ages and backgrounds have approached Greig to inquire about how they can become a part of the project.

"I think the response has been really positive [from the community], because prior to this type of works that have been up on the posters, not many people graffiti it.

"So, I take that as a good sign, that the community do appreciate these type of works, especially because they come from their own communities, and they kind of see themselves in the works that are presented."

Greig notes that many of the artists study at AUT or are part of their collectives.

"So there's just a lot of young creatives that get together and really just make stuff. And so I thought I'd just give them a chance to display their works to the public."

As young artists, she says they like to express their art and make it look cool, sometimes including imagery of alcohol or risky bike-riding that resonates with the artist but doesn't always align with the council's stance on the issue.

"Those are the topics that we like, I kind of have to talk with them about and see if they can find a way around that with a different kind of perspective. And it's also because they're really talented as well.

"I think a lot of people deserve to see their works. And a lot of their works are for the community. They do a lot of their works based on the communities they live in and the areas they live in. So, I think it reflects Māngere pretty well as well," says Greig says.

She adds the project is an invaluable opportunity for local artists.

"I do believe that that project has been taken really well and gives an opportunity for many artists around the area."

Greig, who has graduated with a visual arts degree, said she would've loved this opportunity when she was studying - a chance to exhibit her work.

"I'd love this kind of opportunity, you know, to have works I've been working on, and like, all my craft been displayed, and for people to see what it takes and what really happens for creatives in South Auckland when they get a platform, really because when given a platform, they can do so much, you know."

She emphasised the importance of having accessible art spaces beyond digital platforms.

"I think we need more of those, something accessible for them, and something that's not on the screen.

"I feel like that gives real, something more to the community, the art community, especially young kids that don't have access for, like, those resources to be in galleries, because it takes a lot to apply to galleries, and you have to meet a certain standard.

"I feel public art like that gives them a real opportunity."

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.