"Standing in front of the completed mural on George Street, the first thing that strikes me is its sheer scale. The way it stretches across the substation wall, both orderly and dynamic, is a direct result of the collective decision-making that shaped it."

These words from a participating University of South Australia student perfectly capture the essence of the recent transformation of a familiar SA Power Networks substation wall.

Reimagining public space: A collaborative canvas

In partnership with the University of South Australia, we offered up a wall of our substation to students from their Art in Public course, providing a blank canvas and opportunity for creative exploration, whilst beautifying the Adelaide CBD. The project focused on reuse, giving the student artists a chance to add to the existing wall. Ultimately, this wasn't just a fresh coat of paint; it was a vibrant reimagining of a community space.

"The mural is built on a grid, but the grid does not constrain it," another student reflected. "Instead, it provides a structure that allowed us to work both independently and collaboratively, much like the way the city itself is mapped out—a network of intersecting streets, buildings, and movements."

The process was a testament to collaboration, with students working through design challenges and finding creative solutions together. Michael, the Course Coordinator, highlighted the "unexpected and rewarding learning outcomes" that emerged from the project.

Picture: The new Mural painted on SA Power Networks' substation wall on George Street, just off Hindley Street in the Adelaide CBD.

Golden touches and community buzz

Each student added a personal touch with a painted gold square, a subtle yet powerful symbol of their individual contribution to the collective artwork. These golden signatures have become a talking point, sparking conversations and drawing attention to the mural's intricate details.

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Locals have praised the mural's vibrancy and the way it has revitalised the street. "Public art is often expected to deliver a clear message, to be read and understood at a glance," a student observed. "This mural resists that expectation. Instead, it invites slow looking, a consideration of its surfaces, its fragments, its layered construction."

A Commitment to Ongoing Creativity

SA Power Networks is committed to fostering creativity and supporting local talent. We are now exploring the possibility of making this an annual project, providing a new generation of art students with the opportunity to transform this public space. By supporting these initiatives, we aim to create vibrant, engaging communities that reflect the creativity and spirit of our city.

Supporting the community

Learn about the other ways in which we are supporting the community.