Student mural brightens Building 94 balcony

RMIT Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts students have transformed the Level 4 café balcony in Building 94 into a vibrant hub of artistic expression with a new mural project led by student and muralist Bethany Cherry.

The mural depicts the connective space that the café provides to staff and students alike.

Bethany brings a wealth of experience and a vision to the university, having active muralist experience across Melbourne and overseas in the US and Canada over the last two years.

“I resonated with the theme of connection and community. I wanted to turn the balcony space into a vibrant experience for everyone,” Bethany said.

Her design was selected in response to an open brief, asking students to explore a visual representation of ‘Meeting Place and Connection’ as well as ‘Communication’, and submit an option if they wished.

I approached the design with a strong visual structure, blending playful, imaginative elements, like the cats, into the work. They are a bizarre addition but very intentional. I smile when I see them and hope all viewers experience the same urge.

The mural depicts the connective space that the café provides to staff and students alike.

Bethany’s comfort zone was pushed with this opportunity; reflecting she admits using colour was a challenge not made easy by her bright blue and orange colour palette.

“I feel much stronger [now] as a muralist having worked with complex colours. It is a skill to build a colourful composition, and I am excited to bring this to my next project,” she said.

This task was assisted by supporting artist, mural assistant Maya Donaldson, whose role gave her a chance to learn but also push the design further and challenge both of their experiences.

“I LOVE working with colour, as opposed to Bethany who historically hadn't included a lot in her work,” Maya said.

As an artist who aspires to create and paint murals as part of my artistic practice in the future, working [under] someone with relevant knowledge was a game changer!

The mural not only enriches the campus environment but also offers a chance for students to apply their knowledge and skills to their environment.

Both Bethany and Maya aspire to continue producing art following their graduation in November, wanting to bring colour and collaboration with them wherever they go.

For Bethany, this mural project has ignited a curiosity for colour, “I love painting, and I feel so lucky that my skill and passion crossover. After I graduate, I want to continue to build my career as an artist and bring even more colour and connection to public spaces”.

And for Maya, it was a valuable opportunity that is just the beginning, “Going forward, my goals are gaining more experience with murals, whether that be through assisting and collaborating with others, to working by myself”.

Opportunities such as this enrich the campus environment but also offers a chance for students to apply their knowledge and skills to their environment, embodying RMIT’s commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering professional growth.

Written by Jas McAuley.

24 June 2025

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Student mural brightens Building 94 balcony

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RMIT Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts students have transformed the Level 4 café balcony in Building 94 into a vibrant hub of artistic expression with a new mural project led by student and muralist Bethany Cherry.

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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