Mandurah Bridge welcomes new murals during Mandurah Arts Festival

Murals underneath the Mandurah Bridge are taking shape during the Mandurah Arts Festival, transforming the once dull spaces into captivating works of art.

The murals are part of 10 public art pieces the City of Mandurah is delivering over five years to activate community spaces and places across the city with two of those painted during last year's Arts Festival at Falcon Bay and Mandurah Library.

Tasmanian-based WA artist, Mel ‘Melski’ McVee and her artist sister Tash are just days away from completing a huge mural beneath the bridge on the Western Foreshore.

Their artwork depicts the ebb and flow of nature in the setting summer sun, incorporating possums, dolphins, kangaroos, Carnaby's cockatoos and local banksia.

“It’s a pleasure being down in Mandurah creating a mural for this month’s exciting arts festival,” Melski said. 

“The elements of this mural are reminiscent of nature and colours of this inspiring place. We have loved meeting the local community over the past few weeks.” 

The new mural will provide a backdrop for the upcoming Music Under the Bridge event on October 5, featuring the renowned Perth Symphony Orchestra performing underneath the Mandurah Bridge.

Artists Tash and Melski with Mayor Rhys Williams.

Meanwhile, WA-based artists Nicola Cowie and Kat Ferguson are painting the Mandurah Bridge’s support columns on the Eastern Foreshore

Their vibrant works will incorporate directional signage to the Mandurah Museum while celebrating the rich history, natural beauty and cultural significance of the area.

Featured in the design are local native flora, the iconic Blue Swimmer crab, dolphins, birds, stingrays and references to Mandurah’s fishing history.  

“Kat and I are very excited for the opportunity to share our art with the Mandurah community,” Nicola said. 

“We love to see how public art can appeal to all ages and ignite conversation about the local environment. These artworks take imagery from natural elements of the coast and sea of the location with historical imagery from the Mandurah Museum. 

“These vibrant artworks will be eye-catching and draw people to the purpose-built family fishing area in the heart of town as well as the Museum which is a hub of historical artefacts from Mandurah’s past.” 

Mayor Rhys Williams said the new murals would create more opportunities for people to come together to explore Mandurah’s diverse cultural offerings throughout popular public spaces. 

“Art offers us a new and refreshing way of understanding, appreciating and building connections with our community, opening us up to different perspectives,” Mayor Williams said. 

“Our Arts and Culture Strategy has a big focus on partnerships, supporting creative industries and artists, and a strong commitment to public art. This includes the creation of these new murals which not only celebrate Mandurah’s culture and story but encourage people to further explore some amazing local spaces. 

“I encourage everyone to go and see these incredible artists at work during the festival and return to enjoy the final product with family and friends.”  

The Mandurah Arts Festival is on now until October 6.

For more information, including the festival program and ticketing details, go to  mandurahartsfestival.com.au