A group of Christchurch youths have transformed the white walls of the new Youth Hub Christchurch into a vibrant, large-scale mural, as part of a community project designed to spark creativity and connection.
The mural now wraps around two sides of the Outdoor Activities Courtyard at the recently opened Youth Hub on Salisbury Street in the central city. Spanning 164 square metres across two storeys, the mural was created by 10 local youths, including one current Youth Hub resident, under the mentorship of professional mural artists Richie (Pops) Baker and Lucas.
The joint project was a collaboration between Youth Hub Christchurch and SCAPE Public Art, with funding from the Farina Thompson Charitable Trust and Mahi Toi, and materials donated by Bunnings Shirley and Resene. The mural concept was developed through a series of SCAPE-led workshops in March, with the final painting taking place throughout April and May.
SCAPE Public Art Executive Director Richard Aindow said the project reflected the power of young people working together to create something meaningful.
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“We’re excited to be the enablers of youth-led public art. The youths deserve real respect for coming together with people they’d never met before. They’ve each brought something special to this project,” Aindow said.
Chair of the Youth Hub Trust, Dame Sue Bagshaw, said it had been a joy to watch the mural evolve.
“The act of creating this mural has upskilled young people, given them real-world experience, and helped prepare them for future careers. The finished artwork will be an ongoing source of inspiration and pride,” she said.
The mural is the latest feature of Stage One of the Youth Hub development, which includes supported housing for 22 young people, a wraparound services block that houses a dozen youth providers, and the Outdoor Activities Courtyard. An Events and Activities Centre is currently under construction.
The Youth Hub is designed to provide Christchurch youths with access to everything they need to support their mental health and wellbeing, from housing and healthcare to creative outlets and educational opportunities.
SCAPE’s education programme also continues to make a difference. In 2024 alone, the public art trust’s educator delivered art workshops to around 2,700 school-aged students, many from disadvantaged communities across east Christchurch.
