Picture this:“A Place for All” in the city centre

An eye-catching mural by a top graffiti artist is becoming a popular selfie stop on temporary hoardings beside an inner-city construction site.

The artwork, “A Place for All”, is designed by Ross Liew, who was inspired to create a work that spoke to the “ethos and kaupapa of inclusivity” of Auckland’s Central City Library located opposite the mural.

It was commissioned by Auckland Library, and management said the construction hoardings proved to be a perfect canvas for a mural encouraging inclusivity at a city center thoroughfare.

Team Leader of Unique experiences Rhion Munro saw the area near the library as a space used every day by all communities, whether they be rough sleeping, queer, trans, ethnic or international students.

“As the library is a focal point for so many people, it should be welcoming,” said.

“This is a place for all,” he said.

The work spans 50 metres long and was painted over three days onto safety hoardings that back onto the St James development.

It is a complex mix of images and overlaid text designed by Mr Liew in collaboration with fellow street artist Flox. Aotea Studio and Gasp helped to paint it over three days in Auckland rain.

Mr Liew said he wanted to make people take time to contemplate the art and its meaning, rather than understand it at first glance.

He wants to challenge standard black and white thinking “which doesn’t allow for the gray.”

“The library with its access to information, ideas and diverse perspectives also provides a counter point to binary thinking,” he said on Instagram.

“The overlaid text compositions suggest a negation of ideas like ‘us & them’.”

Mr Munro says there is a real need for social spaces to open, welcoming and inclusive of all people.

“You’ve got a place here, you’re welcome.”