Promise of $40,000 for painted mural at Albany’s Youth Challenge Park if Labor is re-elected in March

Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens has promised $40,000 to help fund artwork for Albany Youth Challenge Park’s multi-use outdoor court if Labor is re-elected in March.

The court will be Albany’s only full-sized outdoor basketball court available to the community 24/7 and aims to provide disadvantaged youth with a space to engage in sporting activities free of cost.

The painted mural will be a final component of the multi-use court’s construction.

The City of Albany’s executive director of infrastructure, development and environment Paul Camins said the construction of the court would include provisions for multiple activities as well as the opportunity for the community’s youth to get involved in an integrated art project.

“The City of Albany is grateful for this election commitment from the State Government to support the Youth Challenge Park multi-use court project,” Mr Camins said.

“Construction has commenced and the city will be working with local young artists in the coming months, with the project expected to be completed by mid-2025.”

The project was estimated to cost a total of $299,850 before it launched in September 2021, with the multi-use court being the final piece of the project and being expected to cost about $155,000.

Ms Stephens said the additional funding for the mural would take some pressure off the city and give young people more opportunities to be involved in the collaborative art project.

“This artwork initiative uses the playing surface and rebound walls of the outdoor basketball court as a blank canvas for the installation of large-scale painted murals,” she said.

“It’s a collaboration between local professional artists and our community of young people that will enhance the growing sense of pride and ownership of the precinct.

“This commitment means the City of Albany will be able to provide additional opportunities for young people to engage with the arts, develop their skills, and take part in community activities.”