Residents petition against $30,000 mural on South Glenelg Esplanade

A group of nine residents has called for an Esplanade mural to be washed away, complaining that it “disrupts their ocean views”.

Local artist Alex Bellas painting the mural along the Glenelg Esplanade, which caused a stir among local residents. Picture: City of Holdfast Bay

A group of nine Glenelg residents has rallied against a new $30,000 seawall mural, complaining that the artwork is “too bright” and disrupting their ocean views.

The artwork, which was completed in March this year by local artist Alex Bellas, spans about 100 metres along the South Glenelg Esplanade pedestrian path from Farrell St to the Broadway.

It features a bright orange, blue and yellow design with illustrations of Indigenous plants found in the area’s dune systems.

But a petition launched by Esplanade resident Raelene Elmes on behalf of nine residents has raised ire with the mural, calling for its complete removal or for the colours to be “toned down”.

The finished mural along the Glenelg Esplanade seawall. Local residents are complaining that it’s “too bright”. Picture: City of Holdfast Bay

The mural during painting. Picture: City of Holdfast Bay

Ms Bellas, whose works feature at a number of prolific Adelaide venues including Cry Baby, The Stag and the Bath Hotel, said she was made aware of residents’ concerns during the painting process and was willing to work with them to find a solution.

“I wanted their voices to be heard, but there’s such a lengthy approvals process that happens before a project like this begins that there wasn’t much I could do,” Ms Bellas told The Advertiser.

“It’s unfortunate that a group of people are unhappy, but I have also had a lot of really positive feedback from people who absolutely loved it.”

Council documents show the mural was funded in the City of Holdfast Bay’s Annual Business plan for 2023/24 as part of a push for “meaningful public art” along high-foot traffic areas.

Applicants for the project were required to submit concept design proposals including expected budget, a written explanation of the design and a project timeline.

The artworks were assessed by a number of criteria including artistic excellence, cultural merit and response to stakeholder consultation and feedback.

The Glenelg Esplanade seawall before the mural was painted. Picture: City of Holdfast Bay

Ms Elmes’ petition, which was lodged to the Holdfast Bay Council — but deemed invalid by its code of practice – is set to be discussed at Tuesday’s council meeting.

Despite being nonconforming, Holdfast Bay Council Mayor Amanda Wilson agreed to include it in the agenda, with the council’s general manager of community and business Marnie Lock to meet with Ms Elmes this week.

Ms Bellas will also meet with the council in coming days to work towards a solution.

A City of Holdfast Bay spokesperson said the council had received positive feedback from the community about the mural but was aware of the residents group’s concerns.

“The mural was commissioned in accordance with Council’s Public Art Guidelines, using an open invitation process,” they said.

“ A selection panel comprising the mayor, an elected member and three Council staff members shortlisted three artists to submit a concept design and from these artist Alexandra Bellas’ concept was selected.

“Council staff have a meeting scheduled with a resident tomorrow to discuss the mural.”