Shop walls in the Christchurch suburb of Aranui are getting a splash of vibrant colour thanks to locals and the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

People with a hidden talent, established street artists, and Police with a passion for both art and the community are installing creative works on Hampshire St from this week.

“This project is about uniting us all and engaging with one another,” says Constable Jules Atkinson.

“We’ve found a common interest and the locals love it.

The art is vivid, powerful, and community-driven.

It’ll turn heads.

People can come and see it for themselves.”

A piece done by Aranui man Silivelio Fasi and his family has a superhero theme with a distinctive local flavour, for young and old:

“I’ve paid homage to old bus stops - which no longer exist because of the earthquakes – street names, fish and chip shops, and dairies.

“It’s things kids and adults are connected to.

Those shops and the people who run them are the unsung heroes – the anchor points for Aranui.”

Another self-taught street artist, 18-year-old Jacob Root, has created a stunning and imaginative painting of a Police officer.

“It’s my interpretation of the police force in my style of painting, and tried to bring in aspects of their values,” he says

Jacob’s creativity is also behind existing large murals at Aranui’s boxing gym, featuring Muhammad Ali and Joseph Parker.

The students and staff of Haeata Community College have been central to the project’s success, with school art teacher Courtney Brown helping to inspire and encourage pupils to pick up a spray can.

“As Police we support a lot of things, such as sport.

We’re pleased to also be supporting street art,” says Constable Atkinson.

We have some amazing artists in our community.

The locals are super excited and can’t wait to see the art go up in their area,” she says.

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