JOSH Muir has grand visions for Ballarat’s burgeoning laneway art culture.
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He wants to create bright, meaningful street murals that would light up historic streetscapes across the city.
His dream is a step closer to fruition after the contemporary Indigenous artist was selected as one of Australia’s brightest young social entrepreneurs.
Muir was chosen as one of two arts and culture pioneers, selected from thousands of applicants from across the country to embark on the Foundation for Young Australians’ Young Social Pioneers program.
The intensive development program is aimed at incubating the ideas of Australia’s brightest young change-makers and giving them a space to showcase and develop their ideas under expert mentors.
It also gives participants funding to kick-start their dreams.
Muir’s concept, Neon Laneways, was applauded by the judges.
He hopes to establish temporary art installations in local laneways to give people an idea of his vision.
As well as Ballarat, he hopes to establish the street art concept in Melbourne’s bustling central business district.
“Being Aboriginal and looking around me and seeing all these empires built on Aboriginal land ... I can’t physically change or shift that,” he said. “But I might as well make the most of the opportunities I can with the environment around me and incorporate traditional into a contemporary setting.”
Muir said at the heart of his vision was a desire to convey positive social messages through his artwork.
“When I say traditional, it does not necessarily mean traditional Aboriginal art. My focus is on conveying Aboriginal stories ... telling meaningful stories and explaining it to a modern world,” he said.
Known for his unique artistic style, the awardwinning artist draws on his Aboriginal heritage to tell traditional stories through modern art.
His selection for the prestigious program comes only months after he was crowned the People’s Choice winner for the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards.
His award-winning piece Heaven’s Gates was inspired by Greek mythology and his heritage, and is on display at the National Gallery of Victoria.
As well as spearheading a campaign to revitalise laneways throughout Victoria, Muir is also writing his first book, which will draw on his life experiences.
The book will be called Jarmbi, an Aboriginal word meaning “best friend”.
Muir has also been announced as a finalist for the youth award section of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. The winners will be announced in August.
melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au