New murals to transform Coodanup, Madora Bay public spaces during Mandurah Arts Festival

Two well-known Mandurah locations will become giant canvases during this year's Mandurah Arts  Festival, with new murals set to transform public spaces in Coodanup and Madora Bay.  

Created by acclaimed Western Australian artists Renee Barton and Darren Hutchens, the artworks draw on local stories, culture and the natural environment, and will become permanent additions to Mandurah's growing public art collection.  

At Coodanup Foreshore, Renee Barton is creating a mural celebrating the cultural and ecological significance of the area.  

Her artwork will celebrate the foreshore as a place where generations of people have gathered to walk, fish, crab, and enjoy the water, while also recognising thousands of years of connection to Country for Bindjareb Noongar people.  

It also highlights the internationally recognised Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar wetlands, which provide important habitat for migratory and threatened birds and other wildlife.  

Ms Barton said she hoped the finished mural would inspire a deeper appreciation of the area.

"The mural has been shaped by the people who know and love this place," she said.  

"Through workshops and community engagement, Traditional Owners, local residents, community groups, and environmental experts shared their stories, experiences and knowledge of the foreshore.  

"I hope people feel a strong connection to the Coodanup Foreshore and a greater appreciation of its rich biodiversity and the internationally significant Ramsar wetlands that support resident and migratory birds.”  

Artist Renee Barton with Mayor Amber Kearns. PIC: Supplied

Meanwhile, artist Darren Hutchens will transform Madora Bay Beach with a new mural celebrating the unique identity of the coastal community.  

Mr Hutchens said he was looking forward to reflecting the vibrant, colourful, lively character of Madora Bay through his artwork.  

“Some of the reference points for the design are significance of place, engaging with nature, the ocean, sunsets and seasons, the connections between places, people and the environment and notions of cleansing and recharging, as well as everyday beach life like fishing, swimming and surfing,” he said.  

“Hopefully it surprises and delights people when they see it.”  

Mayor Amber Kearns said the project formed part of the City’s five-year Arts and Culture Strategy 2023-28, which is a commitment to create vibrant public spaces and deliver more public art across Mandurah.  

"These murals will celebrate the stories, people and landscapes that make these places special. They’re an opportunity for communities to see their identity reflected in public spaces and to build pride in the places they call home," Mayor Kearns said.  

"The Mandurah Arts Festival gives us an opportunity to bring art into everyday spaces and create experiences that residents and visitors can enjoy long after the festival is over."  

The Mandurah Arts Festival is on now until October 11 with a range of performances, exhibitions, installations, workshops and creative experiences on offer.  

For more information and festival updates, visit mandurahartsfestival.com.au