The Underline Project

ASHFIELD Council and RailCorp launched an innovative public art gallery in a significant, accessible pedestrian walkway near Ashfield Railway Station on Thursday 12 March 2009.

 The walk-through public art gallery is known as The Underline Project and features 114 artistic and colourful panels exploring the theme "Community: Past, Present and Future".  The artworks were created by local students and community members, and the installation showcases a mix of contemporary artworks and historical photographs.

 Ashfield Mayor, Councillor Ted Cassidy PSM, said the launch of The Underline Project was the culmination of a year long partnership between Ashfield Council, RailCorp, local residents and schools.

 "Previously, there was a lot of graffiti and tagging activity in the tunnel and many people were avoiding using it as a quick and easy means to get from one side of the railway to the other,"
 he said.

 "The Underline Project was initiated when Ashfield Council received letters from students at St Vincent's Primary School asking if we would improve the tunnel and remove all of the ‘bad words'.  They also expressed that they found the tunnel ‘scary'."

In response, Ashfield Council commissioned community artist Bronwyn Tuohy, who guided more than 400 local people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds in the creation of artworks for the tunnel.  Ms Tuohy said playgroups, pre-schools, schools, community groups, disability groups, community members and individual emerging and practicing artists had contributed to the project.

"This project provided the community with an opportunity to contribute positively to their immediate environment," she said.   "By working together on The Underline Project, participants also experienced a sense of community.  There were a lot of opportunities for community participation with public Saturday Art Sessions at Thirning Villa as well as in the Ashfield Mall.  In some instances, panels were painted on-site at schools, organisations, services and community groups. This exercise focused on inclusion and community building as well as beautification," said Ms Tuohy.

 RailCorp Customer Service General Manager George Stojkovski said the project would not only help in the beautification of Ashfield Station but would give local artists and students a strong sense of ownership of their area.

 "The mural installation promises to provide great life and colour to the area and go towards preventing graffiti vandalism," Mr Stojkovski said. "It's fantastic to see the local community supporting this project."

 Visit the revitalised walkway or see the photo gallery and list of participating artists.  Please contact Anthia Hart at Ashfield Council on  for more information on (02) 9716 1866.