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Youth Go Through Another PHAZE at Leeming Skate Park

Published Date: 09 October 2007, 12:00 AM

Ten young people will give Leeming Skate Park a fresh look on Sunday, 28 October, 10.30am to 4.00pm, as part of PHAZE 3 of the City of Melville’s PHAZE urban art project.

PHAZE involves urban artist Dan Duggan mentoring, encouraging and teaching local youth to show off their artistic talents by painting designs on the skate park once a month, excluding winter.

Community Development Officer – Youth, Jo McKay said the concept came about after young Leeming Skate Park users approached the City of Melville with a 250-signature petition, requesting a legal graffiti wall.  “After research into similar walls, it was decided to try an alternative option that would better suit the facility and the community,” she said. “The PHAZE – Keeping it Fresh project encourages young people to develop a sense of pride and ownership over youth spaces by having the freedom to express themselves in a legal forum.”

The PHAZE painting sessions take place on the last Sunday of each month with all materials provided by the City of Melville. The first two events were held in May and June. There are only 10 spaces available for each session so young people who want to take part need to register.

Ms McKay said the event was becoming very popular. “PHAZE 3 is booked out but anyone wanting to take part in PHAZE 4 on 25 November can put their name on a waiting list,” she said.

For more information, contact Ms McKay on 9364 0669 or email jmckay@melville.wa.gov.au. To see the latest artwork, visit Leeming Skate Park in Farrington Road, next to Leeming Recreation Centre.

Accountability for graffiti wall

Posted by Jan Cooper at 14 November 2007, 08:23 AM
Gosh,does this mean it will stop some of them from tagging anything that stands still.For the genuine who see this as an art form then I guess you have to give them a go but maybe this exercise should have some form of outcome.For example does it decrease graffiti in the immediate area and for the kids who miss out do they then head up to the freeway wall,the train barrier or a shop wall to ensure they are seen too.

I can't work out if the kids are so keen to show their skills why dosn't the council offer to place a graffiti wall in their own homes where we can all admire it and they could have true ownership,or is this not politically correct.(it would save the council a lot of money in cleaning off graffiti)

Can you inform me please if you are offering kids this facility then I certainly believe there should be some outcome and accountability to the ratepayers to show it is a worthwhile exercise ie: decrease in graffiti in the immediate areas and the youth being educated in the fact that most people find tagging and destroying of property unsightly.
Maybe the person who is running this could have a look around the area after the event to see if there has been an increase in graffiti.From what I understand it is quite competitive.

I live in the surrounding area of the skate park and I take my hat off to the City of Melville who work constantly at removing unwanted graffiti.

I would be intereseted to hear your reply to see if you are doing any research to the success of this project.

With thanks

Great idea

Posted by .. at 28 December 2007, 08:13 AM
I think its a great idea! Too many Council's dont think of looking after these sort of facilities for the youth. It has worked well in other areas too, such as HQ skate park in Leederville. All I can say is good work!