Anew colourful creation is set to adorn Mount Gambier’s Rail Lands precinct, with an interactive mural to be installed.
Artist Lucy Bonnin will bring a burst of colour to the area as she begins working on a large interactive mural entitled “UP” which will feature colourful balloons and be located on the large vacant wall in the central plaza of the precinct.
The rural is one of two projects endorsed by Mount Gambier City Council as part of the 2023/24 Creative Arts Fund.
The mural will complement the existing railway theme of the ‘Signalling Change’ artwork and add a playful touch to appeal to the families and children attracted to the adjacent play space.
“I moved to Mount Gambier with my family at the start of this year and appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the community and the region’s public art realm,” Ms Bonnin said.
“The mural is colourful, bold, and interactive. The design includes a collection of balloons symbolising joy, freedom, creativity, and hope.
“The interactive element adds to this sense of depth and allows viewers to stand at the bottom-centre of the mural and ‘hold’ the bunch of balloons by the string. This will create an excellent opportunity for people to take photos of themselves with the mural.
“I certainly hope this public art would help to bring life to the city for all those who live here or pass through.”
Meanwhile, artist Tabitha Williams will bring community members of all ages together through a series of workshops.
Participants will craft individual woven rounds that will be combined to form a magnificent sculpture of algae, promoting both the resilience and fragility of our oceans on the Limestone Coast.
“The weaving project is a collaborative endeavour that seeks to celebrate the region’s coastal beauty while fostering a sense of community and raising awareness about environmental fragility,” Ms Williams said.
“This project will invite community members to participate in a series of weaving workshops. Guided by experienced weaving instructors, participants will learn traditional weaving techniques and contribute to the creation of a significant communal artwork that will tour the Limestone Coast.”
The finished artwork is proposed to be displayed within public buildings throughout the city.
Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre acting manager Ben Kilsby said council’s Creative Arts program supported artists, community groups and not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects that contribute to a connected, vibrant, culturally diverse community.
“The Creative Arts Fund selection panel were very pleased to be recommending the two successful applications for funding,” he said.
“Each year the Creative Arts Fund attracts a diverse range of applications, representing the broad interests and creative capacity of our arts community. The successful proposals this year reflect this and will provide high-quality public art or extensive cultural development outcomes through their delivery.”
