Horsham Bowl 2024

Horsham Skate Bowl Mural Project – 2024

At the very end of 2024, my team (Matt Hannah & Louis Moore) and I completed a mural at the Horsham skate bowl — the culmination of a year-long series of creative workshops in collaboration with the Horsham Youth Service.

Over the course of the year, we worked with around 80 young participants, exploring techniques like freehand painting, stencilling, and pre-cut designs. The workshops were vibrant, inclusive, and hands-on, with the young people actively shaping the direction of the project.

When it came time to design the final mural for the bowl, we partnered with the local gallery and council to ensure the vision was thoughtful, safe, and sustainable. A key challenge was selecting materials: the paint needed to preserve the functionality of the skate surface — meaning it couldn’t become slippery or hazardous. It also had to withstand heavy use, direct sun exposure, and allow for graffiti removal. Additionally, the first section of the mural would be co-created with the young participants, so accessibility and simplicity were essential considerations.

After extensive testing, I found a paint that was weatherproof, UV-resistant, and durable enough for a skate environment. With the materials sorted, I turned to the landscape for inspiration. The mural draws from the surrounding natural environment — the Grampians, the Mallee River — and pays quiet homage to the deep cultural and spiritual significance this region holds for its Traditional Owners. My aim was not to imitate, but to respectfully reference Indigenous motifs within a contemporary, abstract landscape.

Using only eight colours, I designed a bold and colourful mural that’s both striking and practical. The limited palette supported collaboration with young people and allowed for easier maintenance over time.

The result is a vibrant transformation of the skate bowl — a space now infused with energy, community, and meaning. It’s a large-scale artwork that feels resolved and alive, and I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together. It is space changing.