As in many cities, graffiti has been a big problem for Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, for a long time. To put a stop to the defacement of the city and inspire positive change, Let’s Colour chose to transform a dull concrete wall next to one of the busiest roads, Sir John Guise Drive.
Reminding people of culture and environment
Making communities happier and safer places for their residents is the main goal of the Let’s Colour initiative. So, to remind people of Port Moresby to take care of their city and create a more welcoming environment, we have decided to give life to a hundred-meter long concrete wall.
With the help of the National Capital District Commission and real estate firm Ray White, about 50 participants, including 25 young people from a local organization Tool Boox and 13 AkzoNobel volunteers, worked together to bring positive change to the community. Over the course of two months, they have used 212 liters of Taubmans paint, which resulted in 44 colorful murals, with modern, traditional and cultural motifs.
Tracy Konj, Marketing Manager AkzoNobel Papua New Guinea, said paints spread colors, colors convey a beautiful story, and the use of murals was a way to express feelings and inspire the soul. “It’s an opportunity to educate the public to take care of the city and to discourage graffiti on buildings,” she added.
Supporting the young talents
For this occasion, we trained gifted young people from the local community and engaged them to take part and share their talents painting murals. Instead of scribbling on papers, they got a wonderful opportunity to show their skills on a hundred-meter long canvas.
In turn, they have created beautiful artworks that will have a visual impact both on the local community and international visitors. Moreover, this project was a great way to educate and inspire young people to embrace their artistic talents and to use them to change the perception of graffiti vandalism in the city.
“We have engaged youth from the settlements to enhance their painting and drawing skills. It’s through work that we inspire and transform these talents, from just scribbling on papers, to actually transferring their drawings and designs on the mural painting”, stated Peter Elavara, the Tool Boox representative.
Inspiring positive change through colors
As Port Moresby has been struggling with graffiti for many years, this was not the first Let’s Colour initiative supporting the cause. In 2020, Let’s Colour transformed 25 neglected bus stations to help Port Moresby become a cleaner and safer place.
Ravendren Kanniah, General Manager AkzoNobel Papua New Guinea, said Taubmans will continue to collaborate with the National Capital District Commission to transform the community they do business in, while engaging the local pool of talented painters and contributing to building a better and colorful community.
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