THE GRID // Large-Scale Mural & Mentorship Program Where community culture meets the canvas. Built for the next generation of North East Victorian creatives. Welcome to THE GRID. Great art doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes space, professional tools, and a community to back it up. THE GRID is a dynamic, hands-on mural mentorship program designed for young creatives aged 14 to 25 across Wangaratta and our surrounding regional local government areas. This project has been funded through the Grit and Resilience Programs, Emerging Needs Program. The Grit and Resilience Program is funded through the Victorian Government - through the Social Inclusion Action Group and managed by the Rural City of Wangaratta. This isn’t an average high school art class. It is a launching pad into the real, fast-paced world of public art, large-scale design, and commercial creative practice. Whether you are already filling sketchbooks every night, studying design, or have never picked up a professional paintbrush in your life, THE GRID is your space. What We’re Building Together - This program skips the boring theory and throws you straight into the action through two core pillars: The Crew and The Client. 1. Suit Up & Master the Craft (The Crew) You aren't just student artists here; you are an active design and paint crew. You will get hands-on with the exact equipment and techniques professional muralists use on the job: Gear Up Safely: Learn how to manage a professional outdoor site. You will use high-signal safety gear, eye protection, and specialized tool setups to keep the workspace sharp and secure. Scale the Work: Discover the secret systems used to move a drawing from an A4 piece of paper onto a massive brick wall using grid scaling and proportional layouts. The Premium Finish: Master the application of elite, weather-resistant architectural house paints using professional brushes, custom rollers, and extension poles. 2. Take on a Real-Life Client (The Client) The best way to learn the art industry is to work in it. You will collaborate directly on a live project with a real-life client in the community: The Live Brief: Sit down with a real client, break down their vision, and pitch your design concepts just like a professional creative agency. Commercial Reality: Learn how to protect your own intellectual property and copyright, understand how budget frameworks operate, and see what it takes to deliver a major project on time. Leave a Legacy: Watch your collective teamwork transform into a permanent public asset that thousands of people will see every single day. A Safe Space to Push Boundaries Our Core Value: The Grid is built on mutual respect, encouragement, and site safety. We operate a strictly inclusive, supportive environment where there are no mistakes—only iterations. This is a space to take creative risks, experiment with bold ideas, and find your unique visual voice alongside peers who share your drive. Your identity, your background, and your vision are entirely safe and celebrated here. The Details at a Glance Who: Creatives aged 14–25 based in the Wangaratta region and surrounding LGAs (perfect for high-school students and young adults looking for real industry experience). Cost: Fully funded by The Grit and Resilience Program (Zero cost to participants). Safety: Ground-level operations only. Directed by professional mentors with current Working with Children Checks (WWCC) and strict WorkSafe compliance. The Reward: Real-world portfolio pieces, hands-on commercial experience, and your name on a major public installation. Ready to claim your space on the grid? Let’s paint something massive.
