Technology Issues

Please be advised we have been experiencing ongoing internet issues at The Sauce Studio which unfortunately will not be fixed by our service provider. We are currently exploring options such as carrier pigeons and the good old tin cans joined by a piece of string, please let us know if you wish to join the conversation. We are also pursuing our local Member of Parliament to assist in legislating the internet as an essential service in the meantime. We hope you stay with us during this difficult time as we are assured by the Minister for Communications that we will have some sort of reliable broadband by 2020. We will attempt to keep emails replied, social platforms and website updated as the limited service allows. Please contact us on 02 6672 1929 if you have trouble via other methods. 

Five Letters

MTN Australia

The might fine folk at MTN Australia featured Sauce on their blog! As an independent artist, it’s always exciting to receive recognition for your efforts. 

Sauce has always used the best quality paint he can source. Since his artwork is his best form of advertising, he can’t afford to be associated with poor quality, which is why he made the choice to exclusively use MTN 94. 

In the Sauce Studio, we also think it’s a perfect match since Sauce started paining in 1994, which was the same year MTN was created. It can’t be a coincidence!

Goodbye 2013!

Wowzers! 2013 has been one rollercoaster of a year. Sauce painted more murals than we care to count and the studio has been out biggest adventure yet! 

The year started with a bang, as Sauce spent five days at Brisbane Pop Culture with Turtle and Em Undead. With all the rain and storms for the summer of 2012-13 Sauce was definitely battling the elements. But it was finished in time and luckily Em and Turtle escaped any flooding. We however, were not so fortunate. Country living has it’s downside, and while we were planning and scheming to open The Sauce Studio in Murwillumbah, we were flooded in at home for four and a half days, without power. But, we survived, and managed to open the studio, so Lady Luck must have been looking after us.

Buddah watching over us in the studio.

The Studio opening in March was definitively the scariest and most exciting thing we have ever done. In the lead up to opening night, it was utter chaos. We were busily organising shirts, logos, merchandise, advertising and all the paperwork that comes with running and expanding a business. We also had to re-fit the shop ourselves which saw Sauce and myself covered in paint and sweat from head to toe. A massive thanks goes out to all the people who visited for opening night (and throughout the year!). It’s heartening to know people are interested in the artwork and want to support an independent artist.

Ainslie Rose hard at work!

Once we opened the studio, Sauce was off to Tassie, and then Julia Creek, which was the first of three trips to Central Queensland this year. The Anglicare CQ team are without a doubt the most professional and dedicated team we have worked with. Every time Sauce visits Emerald, he’s treated like a superstar and the Anglicare CQ team have every detail organised. The kids are appreciative and enthusiastic. Sauce has even made friends up there who take him motorbike riding. Rough life hey?

The studio is keeping us both busy, with Sauce using the space as a workshop and I’m busy with all of the admin and paperwork. In September of this year, we held out first curated showcase, which was another adventure. I had the exciting role of Senior Curator, which meant I was developing and analysing the theme, while also advertising and vacuuming. For the week before Stains of Modernity opened, we had a young lad on work-experience who was dedicated and energetic. We almost couldn’t keep up with him!  Again, a massive thanks to all who came to the opening night and gave us a hand behind the scenes. It’s always scary throwing that type of party. We can never tell if it is going to be epic or, and epic failure, so thanks for making it a success.

Digital Interference. One of the pieces from Stains of Modernity.

It hasn’t been all beer and skittles, with Sauce facing some challenging bureaucracy and professional hurdles. We blogged about the many different experiences, and on a personal level it is disappointing to see the legal walls shut down, commissioned walls painted over and the zero tolerance approach taken by numerous organisations. I am conscious when we’re putting together blog posts as it is easy to moan about these issues, but we believe in standing up for what we believe in. Which is why we also write countless emails to officials and bureaucrats and make this information public. Just like Max Cavalera reminds us, “I’d rather die on my feet than keep living on my knees.” Too true Mr Cavalera.

One more exciting piece of information before we go. We are finally running stencil and aerosol workshops from the studio. Book it in your diary!

January 12th & 26th and February 9th.
$40 per head which includes a small canvas and paint supplied. 
Strictly 13 years or older.
Bookings essential. 
Wear appropriate clothing. All care taken, no responsibility for leaving paint on your new Nikes.

What ever you are doing this festive season, stay safe, look after your mates and enjoy yourself.

Peace,
Sauce and Ainslie Rose.

Sauce takes some time out with his new favourite book.

Mr Tom Tate & His Lovely Opinions.

When Justin Bieber left his mark on the wall of QT Gold Coast it made headlines across the world. At the time, we posted a link to the story and made our opinions known on Facebook, which, is the standard thing to do. And then, we saw the video Mr Tom Tate made about his thoughts and opinions regarding the artwork in question. At The Sauce Studio, we’re not happy with Mr Tate’s approach to this issue, and, we believe, sometimes, you have to put your money where your mouth is.

Firstly, I want to point out that Justin Bieber’s art, (Both music and aerosol) is not to my taste. We are not advocating in his behalf, nor do we appreciate his abilities, but as Voltaire says “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” While Justin’s actions may be immature, he still has every right to express himself. I know I did plenty of dumb things when I was younger, so who am I to judge?

Secondly, the coverage of this story is what I think is a part of the bigger picture issue. Aerosol art, graffiti and the sub-culture of Hip Hop are all things which can be enjoyed and created in a safe and legal manner. In this instance, Justin sought permission to create his artworks, and therefore it is not vandalism. Mr Tate’s actions of sending a graffiti removal kit to the hotel are just down right rude and ignorant. These types of attention grabbing tactics vilify and demean the cultural structures of Hip Hop and Graffiti Art. If Mr Tate is unable to tell the difference, or act in a manner which is respectful to artistic expression, I question his ability to be a fair and thoughtful Mayor. 

I am also disappointed by Mr Tate’s response to Justin’s artwork, as I don’t believe these types of actions are conducive for creating a vibrant and culturally sustainable future. This year, the Gold Coast Cultural Precinct was unveiled and Mr. Tate has also made a video about this. The precinct will include an art gallery, production studios and showrooms for arts and creative industries, and a New Arts Museum and Living Arts Centre. All of these things sound great, but if the Mayor is unable to respect artwork in this instance, I doubt very much he has the ability showcase the city’s culture and creativity to the world. In fact, I assert in his video address, not only does he denigrate Hip Hop Culture, he is tarnishing the Gold Coast’s appearance too. 

In Sauce’s video, he touched on Mr Tate’s use of the word “Princess.” Gender stereotypes can be difficult to unpack in a two minute clip, but I want to expand on it here. By using the term “Princess” to refer to a male is rude to both men and women. Specifically, from Mr Tate’s position of power (with wealth and public leadership), it infers that a Princess is a negative position, and as girls are Princesses, they must be negative. It also emasculates the male and creates levels of good verses bad. I would like to invoke such a gender stereotype and suggest that a gentleman of Mr Tate’s position should know better than to use stereotypes as put-downs. I expect more from our leaders, and I believe we need to keep them to account.

So, in sum, Mr Tate has done nothing to cultivate creativity on the Gold Coast nor act as an ambassador for Gold Coast tourism. By acting in an immature and ignorant fashion he as added to Justin Bieber’s profile. Nice work, Mr Tate.

Peace, Ainslie Rose. 

BCC Wipes Out Another Mural

At Aerograffix, we were contacted recently by a Community Worker for a new graffiti prevention project. Initially, I (Ainslie) was excited, as I thought the project sounded exciting, exactly what Brisbane needed, BUT….after three scheduled meeting attempts, and waiting for over an hour for a ‘catch up over coffee’ I realized my meeting with the Community Worker was overrated.

The worker wouldn’t tell me what was required or expected of Aerograffix. There was no mention of where any of the projects would happen, or even if a mural would be created. When I specifically asked what services we would be required to deliver, I wasn’t given a straight answer. I was told, we would have to go to community meetings. Fair enough, given that it is a community project, it’s only fair that the community decides on what would be most suitable. I told the Community Worker that myself and Christian would be willing to go to meetings, but, since we operate as a business, we would have to act as one and therefore, charge for any further services provided. I said we were more than willing to come to the table, we just needed something on the table to come for, so to speak. It was clear, the Community Worker wanted someone to work for free. Again, fair enough if someone is starting their career or when budgets are tight, but I did a little digging. It turns out this is a part of a $150,000 project in Brisbane, which was given out of a 3 million dollar fund from the Federal Government. If a project is to attract industry professionals, then it is necessary to have the right funding to do so. 

A few days later, I received an email, informing us at Aerograffix that the Durack Guides Hall was going to be re-painted as a part of the Walls and Colours project, as it required rebranding. This is the same Durack Guides Hall which Christian painted in March 2007 which required very little maintenance and was a successful project. In the same email, I was informed that Christian could not be paid if he wanted to be involved in the rebranding and repainting process. 

Sure, I understand budgets are tight, and I completely understand that Aerograffix doesn’t need to be involved with every mural project in Brisbane, but…

How is it ‘in the sprit of community’ to paint over one mural with another? And why call us out to a meeting, not telling us any information about some ephemeral community project for which there apparently is no budget for? 

Long story short, this is another example of BCC completely missing the mark with graffiti prevention and working with industry professionals. 

We’re not happy with this, and we’ve voiced our concerns. Feel free to voice your concerns too. 

Below are pictures of the existing murals which were completed in 2007.

Update on 2013-10-02 06:15 by sauce

So, there has been no response from BCC, Visible Ink or any other community agency associated with the Walls and Colours project. Thus far two sites have been ‘vandalised’. 

We’ve had plenty of personal support, and kind words from mates, family and friends, but that doesn’t stop the mismanagement of funds. We’ve also had a few quiet words with other people and nothing seems to be balancing.

Aerograffix has since been contacted by IYS (Inala Youth Service) as they wish to use Aerograffix for the ‘rebranding’ of the Durack Guides hut. We’ve followed this up and offered to paint this wall for free, however this has been rejected as the site is reserved for the Walls and Colours project. We were informed by the Community Worker from Visible Ink, the only way Aerograffix could be involved with this site would be as a participant in the workshops. Which, as a professional artist, is nothing short of insulting.

At one stage, Visible Ink, had pictures of the existing mural on their website which were uncredited, which is just a blatent breach of copywright. They have since removed all but one image, which still goes uncredited.

Most importantly, we find it bizarre that out of ten murals (Specifically, one site which Christian has painted previously) which were suposedly a part of a $150,000 project, Aerograffix would be systematically excluded.   

In light of recent events, we thought a follow up including email correspondences.

Hi Ainslie,

Thanks for meeting me last week. Throughout the meeting it seemed like we work differently and have different requirements which at this stage makes me inclined to continue working with the Brisbane artists who have a similar approach to my own.   

I would also like to inform you that the project aerograffix did with the Durack Guides in DJ Sherrington park in Inala will need to be replaced. The Hut has changed lease owners and therefore it can no longer be called “Durack Guides.” Unfortunately, we will be painting over that mural.

I wish you all the best with your future endeavours!

Thanks

Community Worker

Dear Community Worker,

 

                      This is just to re-cap what we discussed at our Wednesday meeting this week. Christian is a professional aerosol artist and has over a decade of professional experience in creating murals all over the East Coast of Australia. He has a well established profile in Brisbane and you can view his website for examples of his work.

 

At the Sauce Studio we can provide workshops for aerosol art enthusiasts (aged 12+ for safety reasons) either on-site or in-house. Christian can also act as a consultant and provide advice and information regarding the sub-culture of hip hop, aerosol art and young people.  The Sauce Studio is a professional art business and must act as one, and therefore, we must charge for services delivered. I appreciate that working in the community development industry funding is tight and there are many other requirements with project delivery, however, neither Christian or myself are in the position to be able to attend further meetings in Brisbane without a fee. There are only so many projects we can be involved in without economic return. I would also expect that a Brisbane City Council initiative which is funded federally should have the funds to deliver a project in it’s entirety. If this is not the case, then I suggest any such project requires further funding and planning if it is to attract industry professionals.  

 

I am also concerned about the existing mural at the Durack Guides Hall. Aerograffix has not been informed that the site requires any maintenance from the buildings owner/user and I would like to question the need for another artist to repaint this site. As Aerograffix is the original artist, it wouldn’t be in the spirit of working with the community to paint over this mural for the sake of spending funding associated with your project. If I was informed during our meeting this was the case, then I would have raised my concerns with your methodology at the time. 

 

You specify that you wish to continue to work with artists who have a similar approach to your own, and I appreciate that you have every right to do so. However, as Christian is a professional mural artist and has over a decade of experience in working with councils and community organisations, I find it remarkable that your working style would be so dissimilar that Christian would not be suitable for this project. Since your initial enquiry took three appointments and I was left waiting for over an hour, I suggest your enquiry was not genuine, and you were seeking information on behalf of your organisation. Again, I appreciate you have every right to seek further information about community projects, but since you were unable to tell me what was required of Christian, when I specifically asked about what you would expect of our organisation to provide for your project, I assert this meeting was a tokenistic box-ticking exercise. 

 

I understand completely that there are other aerosol artists and I do not seek to undermine their work or capabilities. However, I don’t think it is appropriate to paint over another mural as a part of a graffiti prevention project. This type of action is not working with the community, and as I discussed in our face-to-face meeting, this type of action does not foster a culture of support, nor appreciation for legitimate aerosol artists. I also assert that by not divulging any information about the requirements for this project you are organising or not providing an ‘Expressions of Interest’ (or any other specific form of application) your are not acting in a manner that is fair, transparent or in the interests of the wider community and the existing stake holders. 

 

 

 

Thank you for your time, 

 

Ainslie Rose

Hi Ainslie and Christian

Thanks for your email. I acknowledge from our conversations that Christian is a professional artists with extensive experience in painting murals.

Because of the objectives and outcomes of the project, I do require a community development approach to the work. This means that I do not know what the project would look like or what my requirements or expectations from Christian would be. From a community development approach the local community partners would make the decisions around the structure and approach taken towards the project. Therefore I do not know what my expectations from Christian would be. This is decided in partnership with everyone.  The artist is viewed as 1 of these partners and would need to understand that “working together” approach, which require extensive flexibility and respect.

The Durack Guide Hut belongs to Brisbane City Council and like I explained the lease arrangements has changed with Inala Youth Service and the local youth service network GYPSES taking over the lease. Repainting and re-branding the hut is part of the process for the local young people to create ownership over the space. I plan to work with local artists, local young people and the local community to develop the process and outcome for this.  If Christian is interested to be part of the conversation he is welcome, however it is a community development approach and I would want to ensure enough conversations take place to create a shared value base to ensure we work in unity with the community. Unfortunately I can’t pay Christian for this time.

Again, thanks for your time and I would like to apologise for the accident on the Pacific Highway that made me run late.

Thanks

Community Worker

The Benefits of a Mural (Part one)

There are numerous different options available for advertising and aesthetic improvement for walls and architecture, and it can be difficult to decide on one style or feature. Sauce has over a decade of experience with creating professional murals, all over the east coast of Australia, so let him make the decision easier for you.

 

With the availability of digital prints, advertising and sign writing, it can be easy to get lost in the crowd. By choosing a mural to decorate the exterior of your building, it communicates your ideas with your client basein a more subtle and sophisticated manner. It’s the difference between screaming through a mega-phone at your audience and having a quiet coffee with a friend. A mural can blend art with advertising and leave a longer more lasting impression with your audience.

A mural is also an excellent method of graffiti prevention. By using aerosols and a culturally sensitive design, a mural can be a highly cost effective graffiti prevention measure. There is no fail safe method, however, aerosol art is a part of the solution, and when incorporated with the building design or structure, a mural can also be a striking feature.

Stay tuned for parts two and three and find out how a mural is the best choice for your business.

Like Aerograffix on Facebook

Have you ‘Liked’ Aerograffix on Facebook yet? All the cool cats are doing it!

Re-design, Reduce, Re-use, Recycle.

This week I reached an environmental milestone at Aerograffix, with over three hundred aerosol cans recycled. This was only achievable with the help of the team at Signet who kindly provided Aerograffix with an Aerosolv unit. The Aerosolv unit allows for a safe dispersion of the gas and paint residue or VOCs, which means the cans can be recycled. It’s the small steps like this which work towards reducing our carbon footprint.

Capalaba Square

Today (11/5/12) I was made aware that one of my largest murals was replaced with corrugated steel and security cameras. The initial mural was designed and painted in February 2006 by myself and two other local aerosol artists. The whole process was subject to rigorous control regarding the mural content and the design. This was done to ensure the final outcome would provide a cost effective solution for graffiti prevention in the area and to ensure the then Redland Shire Council and the building owner were satisfied with the aesthetic qualities of the wall. 

I am extremely frustrated by the installation of the cameras and corrugated steel as I was not contacted nor made aware this would be happening at any stage. Specifically with this site I had contacted council a number of times regarding the preservation of the mural as the site had deteriorated and undergone structural maintenance over time. It was also subject to some minor incidences of graffiti, however this is to be expected over the six year period which the artwork existed for in such a location. My discussions with council involved a new design for the area and in late 2010 I was commissioned to paint “New Artwork Coming Soon” which led me to believe I was still in the process of drafting a new mural for the existing site. 

What I find offensive about this process is the lack of adequate communication from council regarding the outcome of this site. The mural has received much support from local community members and has been method of successful graffiti prevention. The council liked it so much it was featured in the Annual Budget for 2005-06 and specified “The incidence of graffiti is reduced in Redland thanks to artwork in public spaces” It was also pictured in Our City Our Culture a  ten year cultural Plan adopted by Redland City Council where it was used to depict a statement about inclusvity of culture and youth. It was also featured in (Un)Commissioned Art an A-Z of Australian Graffiti written by Christine Dew as legitimate piece of public art, defining it as a colourful contribution to the area.  

The most disappointing outcome of this site is the removal of legitimate artwork, which provided colour and a break from the dull and drab monotones of the urban landscape. The artwork was the result of three creative and talented people and with adequate communication from council’s behalf I am sure we could have arrived at a more satisfying outcome for all stakeholders involved. The irony of this, is the removal of artwork which featured a koala. Recent steps taken by council show much support for koalas and public art with the “Environmental Art Project”, focusing on youth and koalas. 

Where to from here? I would much appreciate your support by contacting the local Councilor for the area, Paul Gleeson on: 07 3829 8999. Feel free to leave your comments below as I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. 

Below are photos of the mural, new design and the now blank wall. I have also included emails from relevant council staff, where I was dicussing the future of the wall to which I am still awiting a reply.

——-Original Message——-
From: Christian Griffiths [mailto:info@aerograffix.com.au] 
Sent: Monday, 22 November 2010 3:44 PM
To: Byron Shreeve; Cr Karen Williams; Alex Mc Connell
Subject: Capalaba Square/Bus interchange mural

Hi all,

                        As you are aware I have been working on a new design to freshen up the Capalaba bus interchange wall. I am keen to present my proposed concept and discuss options for funding and a timeline for installation. I am available late afternoons and would appreciate if you could please advise me of a time that may be suitable to meet.  

kind regards,

Christian Griffiths

Aerograffix - Awesome Aerosol Art
PO Box 372 Capalaba Queensland, 4157
+61 409 068 980

/ 

On 22/11/2010, at 4:07 PM, Byron Shreeve wrote:

Hi Christian

Sounds Great where would you like to meet?.
I can arrange a meeting room here at council if you wish?

I’m available most afternoon myself. I’ll try and work around the others schedules to make it a bit easier to bring together.

If you would like to meet at council, please give me a rough time & date that suits Alex & yourself and I’ll book an available room.
I would like Elise Parups RCC Community Cultural development officer to be invited to this meeting as she may be able to assist with the project by giving some information on how we can access the funds necessary for this project.

Regards
Byron

From: Christian Griffiths <info@aerograffix.com.au>

Date: 10 January 2011 2:49:12 PM AEDT

To: Byron Shreeve <Byron.Shreeve@redland.qld.gov.au>

Cc: Karen Williams <karen.williams@redland.qld.gov.au>, Alex Mc Connell <alexmcc1@bigpond.com>

Subject: Capalaba Bus interchange

Hi Byron, Karen and Alex,

It has come to my attention a tag has appeared on the Capalaba bus interchange mural.  To have any chance of keeping this area tidy I recommend we need to take the following courses of action: 

1: Cut the 2 trees back to a manageable height to allow the mural to be seen, allow lighting to penetrate the site and stop berries dropping on the concrete causing a trip hazard and jamming trolley wheels causing them to scrape the wall.

2: Commence regular aerosol art workshops and education regarding sub-cultural issues in relation to youth and graffiti. Council needs to embrace cultural policy (POL - 2706) stating: “3. nurturing the creative core of community cultural development through providing strategic support for local arts and heritage activities” and “5. providing dedicated public cultural facilities that present professional programs in all art forms that engage diverse audiences and participants and that develop the skills and ideas of local artists” as there is still nowhere for youths to paint legally or engage in legal projects. Furthermore “11. monitoring the diversity and scope of cultural development opportunities in the Redlands to ensure equitable access by people of all ages and locations”  The graffiti management policy also states “7. Providing cultural and developmental opportunities through the engagement of the community in graffiti prevention and diversionary activities and programs.” and “8. Providing guidance to the community on the development of art murals and the management of mural projects.”

3: Allow opportunity for all stakeholders to work together to get this fantastic opportunity for a fresh new artwork happening. Public at policy (POL - 3046) states  ”Encouraging collaborative arrangements between artists and design professionals in the creation and commissioning of public artworks.” but if council officers are not permitted to meet to discuss such projects, it will prove a difficult project to gain adequate support.

4: Pay for works as per agreed timeframe. The maintenance work carried out on the 8th Nov was not paid on time despite several reminders. A late fee was issued and is now also overdue. Aerograffix has previously written to council and successfully applied to be on a 28 day payment schedule. The payment terms agreed for the work undertaken were 30 day as stated on the invoice provided. 

I am more than happy to discuss these points in more detail. A design concept and project proposal have also been developed and I wish to present at the earliest opportunity. Take care and I look forward to working with you on this project during 2011,

Christian Griffiths

PS I am again off to Tassie as I have been selected as one of nine finalists in the Sheffield International Mural Fest. Keep you eyes peeled for website updates.

Aerograffix - Awesome Aerosol Art

PO Box 372 Capalaba Queensland, 4157

+61 409 068 980 

/ 

From: Christian Griffiths <info@aerograffix.com.au>

Subject: Capalaba Bus interchange

Date: 21 February 2011 1:32:35 PM AEDT

To: Byron Shreeve <Byron.Shreeve@redland.qld.gov.au>, Karen Williams <karen.williams@redland.qld.gov.au>, Alex Mc Connell <alexmcc1@bigpond.com>

Hi Byron,

From the photographs supplied I have reason to believe graffiti removal has been unsuccessfully carried out at the bus interchange mural. I would like to question the reasoning in this measure as I have previously contacted yourself (see communications dated 10th Jan) about this issue with a plan and solution. In future I would appreciate to be contacted before this occurs as as stated in the initial proposal, the use of chemicals and/or a high pressure cleaning device has a damaging effect to the integrity of the artwork. Again as outlined in the proposal, it was noted the wall was not sealed with any anti-graffiti matter, making graffiti removal an inappropriate response. 

I am still willing to meet at your connivence to discuss and present the design concept and proposal to rejuvenate this site. It is clear the intermediate approaches are not a sufficient method dealing with this issue. 

Regards,

Christian Griffiths.

Update on 2012-05-14 22:38 by sauce

Ok, so I have just heard from the building owner council was aware the mural would be covered over. The owner is currently unhappy with my stance on the matter as the they are claiming ownership of the wall which is on the boundary of the owner’s land and council owned land. However as the artwork was required to be scrutinized by the Public Art Advisory Panel, I was contracted and paid by council and all further modifications to the mural, including the words “New Artwork Coming Soon” were paid by council I assert the wall is owned and under the direction of council. 

Additionally, any modifications or building constructions to the site would need to be approved by council in the interests of public safety. In this case I can confirm after conversations with the building owner council was specifically made aware of the corrugated construction. At no stage was I informed the site would be modified, or my artwork would be disregarded. As I have been actively seeking communications from council and the building owner I can only express my frustration and disappointment that another quality and legitimate public artwork has been removed. 

Over the past decade I have built my business on the platform of legitimate and legal artwork using aerosol and graffiti styled artwork, and this is just one of the many recent set backs where a government body has provided a disincentive for all of my efforts. I don’t blame those who engage in illegal aerosol art for doing so as clearly, there are no avenues for creative individuals to express their ideas and enliven the urban landscape. Basically, if I can’t keep my artwork on wall which are paid for and praised by council, what hope have the kids got?

Update on 2012-05-14 23:58 by sauce

It just gets more exciting here at the Sauce Factory. This is what I received this morning

Dear Christian

Today we were advised By Mr McConnell the owner of the ANZ bank building that he had effected repairs to his building to try and stop some water seepages issues he was encountering at this location. As a result of these repairs that were undertaken by the ANZ Bank, the mural Council contracted you for in 2006 has been removed/sheeted over.

We apologise for the late notice in notifying you of this work as we were only informed of this repair work today, our previous discussions with Mr McConnell he was still investigating his options.

Council has no immediate plans for new mural works to be conducted at this site and any work conducted at this site will require a new agreement with the building owner.

regards

Byron Shreeve

Community Safety Officer|Strengthening Communities Unit|Redland City Council

Ph: (07) 3829 8574 | M: 0408 872 512 | F: (07) 3829 8891

E: Byron.shreeve@redland.qld.gov.au W: www.redland.qld.gov.au

So this is what I replied with:

Dear Byron,

                   I would firstly like to express my disappointment with the current situation regarding the Capalaba Square mural. As you may be aware I contacted both yourself and the department which you work in several times in order to seek a positive solution which all stakeholders would be satisfied with regarding the preservation or rejuvenation of the artwork. I believe the current course of action taken by council regarding this site is a reflection and manifestation of how council regards the cultural community and public art in the City.

I feel the need to take this situation further than yourself or the team leader of your department as the current set of actions from council indicates a grosse level of incompetence on all levels, especially communication. I understand the site does not belong to myself or my business, however as a stakeholder, I have received no form of communication regarding the corrugated steel which is now in place of the council funded mural. As mentioned, I contacted council numerous times, offering a possible solution and requested to be consulted for future measures taken by council regarding the longevity of the artwork. In November 2010 I was advised by yourself new art work would commence on the site in the near future.

More importantly I assert the current course of action undertaken by council is not aligned with the Our City Our Culture, cultural ten year plan which the mural features in on page 16. Specifically, the plan states “Council will nurture the talents and ideas of all young residents in the Redlands to enrich the vitality of the City”. The plan goes further stating inclusivity and sustainability including well managed projects are of importance in regards to successful  arts projects. A complete lack of communication from council shows disorganisation, poor management skills and an inability to follow their own jargon. 

I note in your email you stated “We apologise for the late notice in notifying you of this work as we were only informed of this repair work today” I assert this is not true as there is no way that amount of construction could occur on the site without council being made aware of it, due to the interests of public safety. The sheer logistics of the site demand council would need to be involved on some level. In the interests of public safety the closure of the walkway would be required, allowing construction to occur. The owner confirmed via a phone conversation you were personally aware the site would be under construction. If council was not aware construction would be occurring on the site, I further assert it is indicative of the incompetence of council and further proves council staff are unable to communicate clearly and adequately with all interested stakeholders. I assume communication is a large part of the team you are involved with and more specifically it is a part of your own job description.

Furthermore this is now the third artwork created by myself and funded by council which has now been removed from the pubic area. I find this a challenging situation to be in as there are numerous glossy council brochures which extoll the greatness of council and their public safety successes utilising pictures of my artwork. This proves council is more about rhetoric than action and more specifically, how my business is being exploited by council, as in glossy brochures council appears to be accepting of my efforts, however in reality, the practices of council appear to be incongruent with this. I also state I have not given permission for council to such images and I question the legality of these practices. I also note council regularly misspells my name in such brochures or does not acknowledge myself as the artist. 

As a result of the current measures taken by council, I will be seeking legal advice regarding the artistic integrity of the mural created by myself and two other artists.

Christian Griffiths

Update on 2012-05-17 01:16 by sauce

Just for the record…

Redland Shire Council Annual Report 2005-06, page 27.

Local Government Showcase May 2007, page 11.

Our City Our Culture, a Cultural Plan for the Redlands 2008-2018, page 16. 

Our City Our Culture, a Cultural Plan for the Redlands 2008-2018, page 22.

Community Safety Strategy 2011.

Capalaba Art Walk.