Lyneham Primary School student Joy Puza (third from left) was announced the winner of the ACT’s Reconciliation Day school art competition and has had her artwork painted on a bus stop in O’Connor. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Bus users from across Canberra will now see a message about Reconciliation from Lyneham Primary School student Joy Puza whenever they travel past O’Connor.
The nine-year-old was named the winner of a school-based art competition centred on celebrating First Nations culture and Reconciliation.
Aboriginal artist Kalara Gilbert brought Joy’s poster to life on the Brigalow Street bus stop.
Joy unveiled the artwork on Monday (9 November) alongside ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister Suzanne Orr and five of her close school friends.
Joy said she was shocked to be picked as the winner of the competition but was excited to see it in person.
“It feels really exciting. I can’t believe people will see my artwork when they are waiting for the bus,” she said.
“My artwork is about everyone being included and coming together, even though we’re all different.
“I wanted to show that people can belong and be connected no matter who they are. I hope when people see it, they think about being kind, including others and looking after each other.
“I just wanted to have a go and draw what I felt. I didn’t worry about making it perfect. Your idea is what makes your artwork special.”
The artwork designed by Joy Puza and painted by Kalara Gilbert. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Artist Kalara Gilbert said it was important to remain true to the student’s original design while adapting it for the bus shelter.
“I wanted to preserve all the key elements of Joy’s artwork and stay true to her vision,” she said.
“It’s important that the young artist’s imagery and message remain at the heart of the mural.
“This is my second year being involved in the Reconciliation Day bus shelter mural project and what keeps drawing me back is how much I love painting these spaces.
“Bus shelters are such great canvases for public art and I’d love to see one featuring my own artwork one day.
“I think it would be fantastic to see bus shelters across Canberra transformed with original artworks, bringing colour, culture and creativity into everyday spaces for the whole community to enjoy.”
Ms Orr said projects such as the art competition were innovative and practical ways for school students to learn and understand Reconciliation.
“Every year, ACT students share thoughtful and inspiring perspectives through the Reconciliation Day poster competition and Joy’s artwork is a wonderful example of that,” Ms Orr said.
“Her message is simple but powerful: everyone belongs. Through colour, creativity and imagination, she has created an artwork that reminds us we can all be different while still coming together as one community.
“Public art has a unique ability to spark reflection and conversation. Thousands of Canberrans will see this artwork as they go about their day, creating opportunities to think about respect, understanding and our shared future.
“I thank Joy for sharing her creativity with Canberra and Aboriginal artist Kalara Gilbert for carefully preserving and amplifying Joy’s artistic vision.”
