My Community Project is an initiative by the NSW Government designed to showcase local ideas, projects and collaboration. The Government is investing $24.7 million into 248 projects across the state to improve the wellbeing of the NSW community.
61,437 people voted for their favourite local projects, which span from repurposing outdoor space for community gyms in Redfern, an accessibility initiative at Giant Dwarf Theatre, Women’s Work to aid in financial equity for Sydney women, FBi Radio Music Day to reach regional NSW, to empowerment workshops for young LGBTIQ women in Surry Hills – that’s only a handful from the Newtown electorate.
We spoke to map-illustrator Peita Blythe, whose ‘Mapping the Inner-West-Australia’s Capital of Craft Brewing’ project has been successfully granted $35,000.
“At the beginning of this year, I was at the Grifter Brewery with my partner and we were talking about how Mayor Darcy Byrne wants to make it the craft brewery capital of Australia,” Peita said.
“I emailed Peter Philip at Wayward, who is also the president of the Inner West Brewery Association. He loved my map work and was keen to work together.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx8QFuohkMP/
The project takes various forms: the large map mural, printed brochure, trail guide, digital resource and a website the community will be able to engage with it in a variety of ways.
“I knew there were a lot of other great projects in my electorate so when I found out ours was successful I was over the moon! I definitely did a little happy dance in my kitchen.”
Next steps for the project are extensive research and sketching, with estimated completion in six months time.
“I am most excited about the large hand-painted map mural which will be an enduring piece of public art, accessible to a diverse range of audiences,” Peita said.
“Ultimately we hope our project will celebrate the Inner West, encourage people to explore the Inner West and its diverse offerings, tap into local community pride and put the Inner West on the map as the craft brewing capital of Australia.”
The mural’s location is yet to be confirmed as talks continue with Inner West Council, but you can expect to see the craft beer map around the streets of Newtown.
