Splash of Colour
Splash of Colour is a public art program that celebrates our community’s connection to water, highlighting Western Australia's water cycle and the important role water conservation plays in the future of WA.
Have you ever come across electrical pump stations, brick wastewater pump stations and other small water structures where you live? They may not look like much, but they are part of a vital network of assets that deliver drinking water and wastewater services to and from our varied sources across our state.
To help us all appreciate how important these assets are, we work with talented local artists to turn these assets into works of art, bringing them to life through vibrant paintings depicting the local community, native environment and the importance of water.
Art through collaboration
Our local artists collaborate with schools and community groups who contribute to the creative direction, ensuring a local perspective is incorporated in the design. Students have the opportunity to express their ideas about water and the environment, what it means to them and the importance of water conservation.
Water plays an integral role in life and nature. And with a growing population and a drying climate, more and more people are relying on vital water sources, so it has never been more important to look after it and understand more about how it makes its way into your homes.
By understanding the journey water takes to get to us safely, we can all appreciate and value the process water needs to go through every day to drink and use it for all our needs.
Splash of Colour history
The program was established in 2017 and spans all corners of our state as far north as Broome and as far south as Albany. You will find a Splash of Colour and inspiration wherever you go.
Over 100 assets have been painted to date, reflecting our unique water story throughout Western Australia. We’ve partnered with talented artists and organisations such as the Community Art Network (CAN) and Local Government Authorities, who’ve helped us engage with local communities to deepen the level of involvement and understanding in the community.
Look out for the splashes of colour in your area
They may look a bit like this:
Splash of Colour Artist - Nathan Hoyle
Location: North Fremantle
Titled ‘Moving On’, this painting is about river water moving towards the nearby sea, mixing with warmer currents and leaving patterns among the sand on the riverbank. The colours are vibrant and slightly absurd to reflect the waters intensity and life.
Splash of Colour Artist - Kayley Emery
Location: Cloverdale
In collaboration with Belmay Primary's Year 2, this artwork portrays the impact of polluted waterways on sea creatures like squid, urging us to take action to protect marine life and preserve clean oceans.
Splash of Colour Artist - Graeme Miles Richards
Location: Bayswater
This abstract mural features unique wetland fauna and was designed to represent our local waterways, with inspiration from Hillcrest Primary School to depict their resident boobook owl.
Splash of Colour Artist - Sharon Hinchliffe
Location: Pemberton
This artwork features lampreys, an endangered species of fish which can be found in fresh water. In Pemberton, climate change is impacting the lamprey’s breeding habitat in Lefroy Brook Weir.
Splash of Colour Artists - Martha Lee & Kirra Watson
Location: Broome
Located at Broome South Wastewater Treatment Plant, a popular bird-watching area, this artwork depicts the birds commonly seen at the site.
Splash of Colour Artists - Marisa Santosa & Iwan Isnin
Location: Yokine
Every drop counts when keeping our shared ecosystem healthy. By using water wisely and looking after our waterways, we keep this life-giving cycle going.
Splash of Colour Artist - Harley Akers
Location: Millbridge
The artwork captures the local water story, showcasing flora and fauna including a red-eyed tree frog and magpie as well as a white gum tree and wetlands.
Splash of Colour Artist - Leanne Bray
Location: Wattle Grove
This artwork celebrates the importance of the Wattle Grove biodiversity hot spot - with significant reference to the Banksia within the environment and the importance of water as a valued resource.
Splash of Colour Artist - Lawry Halden
Location: Cocos (Keeling) Island
This artwork celebrates the turtle and local marine environment, titled ‘Laying season’ (Musim Bertelur).
Splash of Colour Artist - Blake Poole
Location: Bicton
We drew from the living environment, paying tribute to a sandy footprint left in the wake. This is a humble pursuit to truly capture a reflection of this space.
Splash of Colour Artist - Samantha Prentice
Location: Watermans Bay
Rippa, Nippa and Snippa represent the joy of the ocean. These playful sea creatures bring fun and happiness to this Splash of Colour location.
Splash of Colour Artist - Jordan Andreotta
Location: Manning
This mural celebrates the natural beauty and unique community spirit of Manning. Willie wagtails symbolise connection and liveliness; eucalyptus blossoms highlight native flora and shades of blue echo nearby Canning River.
Splash of Colour Artist - Fiona Reidy-Carroll
Location: Peppermint Grove
Water is a vital source of life and joy. The dolphins I observed nearby symbolise the playful spirit of nature, reminding us to protect our waterways for future generations. First Nations people have a rich history here as a gathering point to share stories.
Splash of Colour Artist - Jarni McGuire
Location: Claremont
‘Kaep’: For Noongar people, water is sacred; it’s where stories begin, life is renewed and community gathers. Through layers of colour, movement and form, this mural celebrates water as a living force that connects people, culture and Boodja (Country).
Splash of Colour Artist - Bec Abdy
Location: St James
Through collaboration with Millen Primary School, this artwork illuminates the rich tapestry of local biodiversity, capturing the vibrant hues and innate beauty of our natural environment, nurturing environmental consciousness and connection.
Find a mural near you
From metro neighbourhoods to regional communities, Splash of Colour artworks can be found right across the state. Use the map below to discover murals near you and see how local artists have transformed everyday water assets into vibrant public art.
Community benefits
- Splash of Colour murals improve the look and feel of the surrounding area.
- The Splash of Colour murals are inspiring, water-themed and beautify the surrounding environment.
- The murals are painted on water and wastewater assets throughout the community, highlighting and raising awareness of the vital role these play in providing water and wastewater services to residents across WA.
- Splash of Colour supports talented local artists, showcasing their unique style and skills in their community.
- Splash of Colour workshops educate children about water sources, the water cycle, improving water literacy and inspiring water conservation.
- The program also deters graffiti on painted assets.
How to get involved
If you are an artist interested in Splash of Colour, reach out! If we have a project coming up in your local area we can add you to the list for consideration.
If you are primary school looking to be involved in the Splash of Colour program, let us know! If we have any projects coming up in your area we can add you to the list for consideration for the Splash of Colour workshop. We can also put you in touch with our Waterwise Education team if you are interested in an educational visit to your school.
If you’ve seen a Water Corporation pump station in your local area that you think could do with a Splash of Colour, reach out! If we have a project coming up in that area, we will add the asset to the list for consideration.