Darwin artist David Collins receives Winston Churchill fellowship

He used to graffiti the drains at Leanyer. Now, this Territorian will embark on a journey to some of the United States’ most exciting art events.

Territorian artist and social worker David Collins is heading to the USA, where he will spend time observing and learning from The LA Street Art Initiative and Mural Arts Philadelphia.

From spraying graffiti on Leanyer’s drains to receiving a fellowship, David Collins’ journey is anything but ordinary.

This month, Mr Collins, 46, became a recipient of the Bob and June Pricket Churchill Fellowship and will now turn his attention to examining early intervention and restorative justice programs using public art.

To start his fellowship, Mr Collins will jet off to the United States to attend the LA Street Art Initiative and Mural Arts Philadelphia.

“The stuff both (events) do in that social work scene and mural art side is just amazing,” he said.

“They do the most amazing art work for starters, but then the way they engage with people in prison and then work with them when they get out is just amazing stuff.”

Mr Collins said his passion for murals started in the Top End.

“As a kid I got into art through comic books and trying to redraw them,” he said.

“And then I started to see graffiti and graffiti murals around Darwin in the late 80s, early 90s and it made me think I could do that.”

Territorian artist and social worker David Collins is heading to the USA, where he will spend time observing and learning from The LA Street Art Initiative and Mural Arts Philadelphia.

Mr Collins said his contributions to social work through Anglicare was a way to help young Territorians.

“There’s always been disengaged young people – I was probably one of them,” he said.

“Maybe I can learn something over in America that I can bring back here and use to help.”

Anglicare NT director Jemma Wood said Mr Collins was the “ideal” person to receive the fellowship.

“There is a lot of focus on alternatives to locking up kids, about diverting them away from the justice system – Dave’s been committed to restorative justice for a very long time through his community murals,” she said.

“His work is impressive because he supports young people to learn new skills and give back to the community through their art.

“He’s a real ally and advocate for young people, not just in Darwin, but right across the NT.”

Winston Churchill Trust chief executive Rachael Coghlan said her organisation was “thrilled” to support Mr Collins.

“David has already given so much to the Darwin community both in his work as an artist and as a social worker,” she said.

“The Churchill Trust is thrilled to be involved as David learns more about early intervention with at risk youth and we look forward to the immense benefit David’s learnings will contribute to both his local community and to Australia as a whole.”

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, endorsed by the iconic leader before he died, was established to provide ordinary people a unique opportunity to travel, learn, and bring knowledge back to their country.