Artist Polly Johnstone has started work on a mural for the Pitcheneder public housing complex in Parap.

This follows a social media competition run by the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Her concept of a woman surrounded by tropical foliage won the favour of the public, attracting 569 votes in little more than three days – almost 270 votes ahead of her competition.

“Often as an artist, you’re away in your studio, working by yourself, so when your work gets put out there to the public, it’s really nice to get that feedback, and that’s why I love working on murals like this because you get that public interaction,” Polly said.

“When you’re faced with a big blank wall, it’s a bit scary but once you get started, it’s not too bad, I get into it and I really enjoy it,” she said.

Polly drew her inspiration for the design, from the Parap markets.

“Every Saturday, my husband and my kids would come to Parap and get a laksa, and we often buy some of the beautiful tropical flowers, so I thought instantly of the flowers to add a bit of colour,” she said.

The competition is a new initiative by the department.

Acting executive director Jason Randall said the public showed their support for local artists from the start.

“It was good to see so much encouragement for local artists to get involved when we first announced the competition, and people were making positive comments about each of the three final artworks (before a winner was announced),” he said.

Between the three finalists, the competition reached 22,500 people via social media.

The department will look into a similar competition in other regional centres, such as Alice Springs.

“We have had great response from the public about this initiative, and certainly, the initial submissions we received really highlight the talent and creativity we have in the Northern Territory, and we would like to make the most of it,” Jason said.

The mural at the Pitcheneder Complex is expected to be completed by Sunday afternoon.

This work is being completed as part of the $69 million stimulus program, to upgrade public housing dwellings and complexes across the Northern Territory.

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