William Street becomes vibrant mural for local artists

Northbridge artists have transformed the corner of James and William streets into a unique 50 metre-long artwork as part of EPRA's revitalisation of the area.

Members of the William Street Collective were invited to use the temporary hoardings as a blank 'canvas' while William Street properties are renovated as part of the State Government’s $6 million revitalisation of the street.

Together the plywood structures provide 120sqm of prime artistic real estate.

Around 10 artists worked on the project and the result, created over four days, is a vibrant splash of creativity sure to catch the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

William Street Collective founder Aimee Johns said that while the artists were given a completely free rein to create the artwork, a distinct Chinese New Year theme evolved which perfectly complements the area’s cultural diversity.

"We were very pleased to be invited by EPRA to create something unique for Northbridge and we’re delighted with the result," Ms Johns said.

The mural will remain in place while the revitalisation of William Street is completed.

EPRA Chief Executive Officer Tony Morgan said the work will benefit the whole Northbridge community and support the area’s reputation as the home of emerging fashion, entertainment and cultural diversity.

"The revitalisation of William Street is about restoring Perth’s cultural heart and creating a more vibrant, diverse and safer Northbridge for residents and visitors alike," Mr Morgan said.

"EPRA is pleased to be able to support local artists as part of the William Street project and Northbridge visitors, businesses and residents can all share in this new addition to the community."

As well as their creative endeavours, the hoardings display useful information for the local community including the new temporary addresses for some of the William Street tenants who have relocated during the refurbishment works and the Perth Cultural Centre website address.

The William Street project includes renovating, conserving and leasing the heritage buildings to encourage a mix of new tenants offering a variety of services and products to William Street.

The project joins other urban renewal projects such as The Link, and the Riverside project that are revitalising Northbridge and the Perth city centre.