Meg, who is 17-years-old, added the stars of Orion’s belt to represent herself and her siblings.
“I enjoyed the freedom to be expressive on this mural, Xoë said there’s no mistakes. It’s going to be so vibrant and exciting. It’s going to be so Wellington!”
“It’s so nice to be able to give art a go, and connect,” adds Faizan (14), who is representing his Pakistani heritage through a paisley design.
Te Tai Ohinga, opening next month, will provide a space for young people in Pōneke to come together, create and connect. It will have a study space, meeting rooms, a podcasting studio, and and a gaming zone.
The mural is just one element of Te Tai Ohinga that has been shaped by the voices of rangatahi. The Y's advisory board and the Youth Council have been heavily involved, and hundreds of other local young people have helped create this space through surveys, interactive workshops, and drop-in sessions.
Xoë says the artistic collaboration with the rangitahi advisory group has made the project very special.
“Wellington is the place that allowed me to become the artist I am today; I feel this is a perfect way to give back and shine a path for those who would like to do what I do.”
If you know rangatahi aged 13-18 years old who would be interested in having their original artwork displayed in the new Te Tai Ohinga youth hub, Wellington City Council is currently accepting submissions.
To be eligible you will be between 13-18 years old and live in or have a strong connection to Pōneke Wellington. Each selected artist will receive a $200 Prezzy card to acknowledge their contribution to the space. To find out more and submit artwork, visit our Let’s Talk Page.