Gary Silipa

Gallery director, curator, artist, project facilitator and founder of the Bradley Lane Project, Gary Silipa has paint flowing through his veins. A passion for his art and a love for the Auckland suburb of Glen Innes saw Gary create 'The Good, The Bad' the first community art gallery to open in Tamaki, a space for local artists to exhibit their work to the people and families at home in their neighbourhood. Before the gallery, however, came the Bradley Lane Project. Started in 2013 the project involved the creative talents of just four initial artists in an effort to add colour and vibrancy to the back alley walls of a service lane in Glen Innes. Nurtured by the ongoing efforts of Gary the Bradley Lane project has flourished over the years, expanding throughout the Glen Innes shopping precinct, and has seen 15+ artists contribute some varied and dynamic murals. Ever keen to add more colour to the area Gary also facilitates 'Bradley Lane Illuminated' where, one night a year, the murals are professionally lit up to provide a backdrop for a night of live music and dance performances. Sharing the love and his artistic skills Gary has also been involved with the Manukau Institute of Technology teaching a paper on painting outdoor murals and leading a team of students in the design and completion of several mural projects in South Auckland.