Shared Communities Mural

This community art project was created by people from different cultural backgrounds as something meaningful for our city. It helps them feel represented and included, as well as raising awareness of Nelson’s growing cultural diversity.

Along the wall are the words Thank you in the many languages of those who volunteered* for this and other projects. The hope is that learning to say thank you in another language will encourage acknowledgement and gratitude to these many people who now call Nelson home.

The project was generated by Shared Communities, a collaboration between Multicultural Nelson Tasman, Arts Council Nelson, Make Shift Spaces and Nelson City Council.

One of the key aims of Shared Communities is to enhance the well-being of our migrant and former refugee communities by facilitating community-led art, culture and heritage activities.

Projects like this bring volunteers together, fostering new friendships and connections, and strengthening our community bonds. Led by Shared Communities’ Cultural Navigator Karolina Serrano, this art project was a true team effort by some incredible volunteers and supporters.

Additional outcomes:

• A six min video documenting the painting process, lettering workshop and installation conveys the importance of this experience from the perspective of the volunteers

• Several of the artists have been engaged to work on future utility box mural projects facilitated by Make/Shift Spaces and Arts Council Nelson

• Tuku25 – Shared Communities presentation

  *Photos by Wiphala Studio & Tim Cuff