Mural makes a splash for local business

A BRIGHT mural appeared on the south side of McKenzie Street last week, paying tribute to the city’s business community, its perseverance, creativity and innovation in 2020.

The street art, designed by illustrator Travis Price and painted by signwriter Philip Smyth Visual Creations, was commissioned by Commerce Ballarat to live on the side wall of Butler Chartered Accountants.

CEO Jodie Gillett said the mural has been created to remind traders and customers of the “tough” pandemic year that’s been, but more to celebrate the city which united to support its businesspeople and their brands when they needed it.

“Our businesses have been blown away by the support from our community this year, whether they’ve been closed or open. We’re with them…and we need to continue to support them,” she said.

“Our business community have moved quickly to adapt to restrictions, but they’ve got a long road to recovery; years, not months. Don’t think this is over. Every chance you get, spend local.”

The art piece is something she expects every person can have “a connection” to, whether they’re a Ballarat resident or a tourist passing through.

“There’s not a person in the world who can’t come and stand in front of this mural and have a thought or memory about something that happened to them during 2020.

“It’s a way to say, we got through it and here we are now,” she said.

Damien Butler said his financial group has seen many businesses adapting through COVID-19, so working with the Commerce Ballarat to further support these enterprises on the side of the building “felt right.”

“This is such a prominent location for people driving down the Midland Highway, and people walking down to cafes and restaurants in this foodie precinct,” he said.

“We often get tagged on this wall, but having an actual mural here creates that Melbourne laneway atmosphere.

“McKenzie Street is shut with Hydrant’s outdoor dining, so this artwork is a fantastic asset for Ballarat.”

A postcard campaign will complement the mural, with 8000 distributed around the city and its businesses.

“People could write a note to their families to come and visit Ballarat, they could leave a message for their barista, or a businessowner that’s looked after them during this difficult year,” Ms Gillett said.

“We encourage everyone to look for the postcards and get behind that.”