More than a lick of paint for Lukes Lane

Lukes Lane's colourful history will now leap out at passers-by, thanks to a new 24m-high and 9m-wide mural.

A team of 16 artists painted the mural during the first week of the July school holidays - seven experienced street artists from the Pie Rats collective and nine artistic young people from the Boys' and Girls' Institute (BGI).

The Lukes Lane mural is the 13th and largest in Wellington to be supported by the Ministry of Justice, and facilitated by Wellington City Council, since July last year. The Ministry gave $55,000 for all 13 artworks.

This mural is part of the Council's longer-term plan to upgrade areas such as Opera House and Lukes lanes - to make them safer and more vibrant.

The Council's Arts and Culture Portfolio Leader, Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer, says Lukes Lane is a fitting site to paint such an epic mural.

"It has such a large and colourful history. It was once a part of Te Aro Pa, before it became an icon of Wellington's ship-building industry - when Captain Lukes established an iron and brass foundry there.

"It's wonderful to see that dominant theme of the sea running through the artwork."

Rod Baxter, a youth worker from BGI and the project's coordinator, has been fostering relationships between the artists and young people since work began three months ago.

"The Pie Rats artists have been great mentors for the young people. Their work is recognisable from many parts of Wellington - it's a talented and hardworking group," he says.

"Most of the young people go to Wellington High School, and others are in alternative education. They're interested in street art and doing it legally. Being part of such a large project like this means a lot to them; it strengthens their mana."

The mural was funded by the Ministry of Justice STOP campaign that aims to reduce tagging and graffiti, through working with young people on street art projects. It also fits with the Council's priorities to increase participation in arts activities and professional opportunities for local artists, and also to make the central city more dynamic.

Using urban murals to replace graffiti-vandalised walls works well when the murals reflect the local community. There is also some evidence to suggest that if taggers respect the artwork, they will leave it alone.

Baxter says the Lukes Lane project is a chance for young people to be clear about where they belong in the city and its history.

"It's also a chance for them to show their talents and skills, and make positive decisions ? to give something back rather than being destructive through vandalism."