Kaoru Aoki made a very nice job of the “Happy Go Lucky English” building signage. There was quite a large space to fill. So, with his imagination, artistic skill and determination, voila! he produced something rather unique.
Murals are not new to me.
New Zealand has a Mural town, Katikati, situated on the east coast of the North Island, about 150 kilometers south of Auckland. On State Highway 2, it services primarily the surrounding horticulture industry (kiwifruit, citrus fruit, avocado orchards). Importantly for local businesses, it is also a service stop for tourists traveling along this coastal route.
As traffic flow increased and heavy trucks rumbled through town so too did personal risk, noise and pollution. A bypass was developed around the town however it had a dramatic effect on business profitability. Few travelers bothered to take a comfort stop.
Business leaders wondered how they could attract the high spending tourist back into the town center and came up with the idea of using murals. Success resulted. They promoted their town and encouraged tourists to not only divert off the main road but to make the town a destination in their journey. Now, it’s really on the map, a “must see” place with walking tours around the town.
Here is the link to Katikati,the Mural town of New Zealand, a busy, friendly, prosperous town.
Could Koniya become a mural town?
Could Koniya business people take a leaf out of Katikati’s book and copy their mural strategy? What do you think? Leave your opinions and comments.
