Euphorium’s The Banner Project launches in Kalbarri, Beachlands and Mingenew

Households in Kalbarri, Mingenew and Beachlands who have been a part of a joint art project will show their colourful banners this week, flaunting their messages to the community.

The public art project by Euphorium gave residents the opportunity to create a trail of bright and bold banners with a message communities want heard.

Kalbarri was first to fly its banners on Sunday (June 19), with residents gathering in a crowd to walk the trail and view the banners around town.

Banners included environmental messages about climate action, what children would like to see in the town’s future, humorous quotes, cultural representation and community messages.

Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said the project allowed celebration and creation of local art and was a way to help with recovery and supporting mental health and wellbeing in those communities.

“After the double whammy of COVID and Seroja, Mid West communities need a boost,” she said.

On Wednesday, (June 22) Beachlands will be the next to raise its coloured comments, and lastly Mingenew on Thursday (June 23).

The Banner Project, organised by artist Alex Desebrock, was part of the $2.6 million awarded to 62 arts and cultural projects across WA through the Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program.

Euphorium Creative received $80,226 for The Banner Project, and Desebrock said the project was about community building as well as reflecting on the town’s messages.

“It fills community and connection, in sometimes poetic or an important way. It’s about bringing art to the streets,” she said.

Desebrock said it was interesting to see how each town offered “different flavour”.

“You could sense the town was benefiting from the art program, Kalbarri still has a lot of trauma from cyclone Seroja,” she said.

“In Mingenew, there is a lot of mental health support and promoting living out in the country.

”Beachlands has a very strong environmental message, and also sharing your home and warmth.”

Ms Desebrock said the program was made to allow community members to share their story and beliefs through the banners.