Council and Chisholm create vibrant CBD environment

Published on 24 January 2024

Chisholm Institute design students have created artworks to be displayed across vacant shopfront windows in Frankston’s City Centre.

The project is a collaboration between Frankston City Council and leading education and training provider, Chisholm Institute.

Six windows have been enhanced with brightly coloured Frankston inspired decals accompanied by the artist’s name and information about the vacant commercial property. The murals can be found on Nepean Highway, Wells Street and Station Street, Frankston.

Kana McHaffie, Diploma of Graphic Design (CUA50720) student at Chisholm, said it was an exciting opportunity for her and fellow students.

“My design reflects how I think of Frankston, which is people enjoying a healthy lifestyle with dogs, bike riding and family picnics near the beach. I hope my mural makes people smile. Council was so generous with their time and I can’t thank our teachers and them enough for the experience of working on such an impactful industry project.”

Another 10 prints have been designed as part of the project and Council is keen to liaise with landlords of vacant premises to find homes for them in other shopping precincts throughout Frankston City.

Frankston City Deputy Mayor Liam Hughes said the collaboration was about harnessing local design and creative talent to create a more vibrant CBD environment.

"The partnership with Chisholm is another way we’re transforming our CBD into a more business-friendly place,” Cr Hughes said.

“It provides local students with a great opportunity to showcase their design skills to the broader community while making our city centre a more vibrant and attractive place to start up a new business. It’s a win for everyone in our community.”

Chisholm Institute Chief of Education, Conor Mullan, said: “At Chisholm, we have a long-term commitment to art and design education, and providing students with real-world opportunities to put their training into practice.

“It’s fantastic to see our talented students benefit from the ongoing partnership with Frankston City Council and display their work across Frankston for the community to enjoy.”

The Chisholm students who participated in the program are Syd Gonsalvez, Catie Sharp, Ryan Scott, Zoe Farmer, Kana McHaffie, David Cossigny, Kayla Newton and Faiqa Omar.

For more information, please email business@frankston.vic.gov.au.