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Learn the meaning behind this new mural in the Ipswich CBD, and watch a timelapse of its creation

A new mural on the back wall of Arttime Supplies and Goleby’s Basement was painted as part of this month’s FUSED festival. Hear from the artist and the organiser and learn what an owl and a bunch of arrows mean for the people of Ipswich.

Through this work I want to inspire the youth and community of Ipswich with the powerful image of an owl.

Large scale works like these enliven public spaces, inviting engagement from people within the Ipswich community and also the passerby.

The motto displayed on your city’s coat of arms, Confide Recte Aguts (be confident in doing right), is realised further with the inclusion of the soaring owl in the work, showcasing growth, development and rising above adversities in the spreading of its wings.

A bundle of arrows are used to symbolise strength, as a single arrow can easily be broken.

The use of a bundle of arrows held by the owl draws the link to the strength in the collective community of Ipswich.

Mike Shankster

Artist

This is part of a wider vision to see the older precinct at the Top of Town interspersed with some vibrant and interesting art to create more personality.

You just need to look at the likes of Melbourne and Sydney to see what is possible in terms of street art, it’s part of the culture of the city. The same can be said of Toowoomba.

We have the bones here to create more interest and boost the traders, increasing foot traffic and getting people out to look at the various works.

It’s quite an involved process and it doesn’t come cheaply – there was a four-month lead for the owl and we were really well supported by Mike, Tangible Media and of course council.

The feedback has been really good, you can see the mural all the way back to Mary Street at Woodend and I think it adds quite a bit to the overall image of the area.

Kate Roberts

FUSED organiser and business owner

Do you give a hoot about Ipswich?

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