Collie will soon become home to a unique and iconic piece of public art that will enhance the identity of the town, attract tourism and become a point of pride for locals.
Expressions of interest are being invited from suitably experienced artists for a major public art commission with a focus on innovation and creativity. The subject matter must strengthen Collie’s vision of becoming a vibrant, growing and sustainable community where people live, visit and invest.
The sculpture will be located directly in front of the new, fit-for-purpose art gallery being constructed in the town centre.
The Shire of Collie has allocated a significant budget for a piece of public artwork that will be capable of being used as an iconic representation of the town and its new art gallery.
The successful design will be constructed from a durable and vandal-resistant material, be a minimum of three metres in height and have due regard for public safety. The work may include lighting and sound and may have interactive elements, but artists must have a proven record of achieving a high standard of execution of projects of this scale.
The project is being funded through the Shire of Collie’s Supertowns public art allocation, which has allowed for two major public artworks to be commissioned as part of the central business district revitalisation.
SuperTowns Project Manager Geoff Klem said the brief was designed to attract a diverse range of high-quality submissions with a contemporary or futuristic outlook.
“While we don’t know what the successful design will look like at this stage, if it is creative and unique enough, we are confident it can become a major attraction for both the town and the gallery,” Mr Klem said.
The Collie Gallery Group Inc. is inviting stakeholders and members of the public to nominate to become part of a working group that will manage the submission process on behalf of the Shire of Collie.
Collie Gallery Group Chairperson Elizabeth Lindsay said it was important that public art in Collie kept a focus on the present so that the community could embrace the possibilities offered by the future.
“Collie has a rich and diverse history, but towns that focus on their past are often condemned to keep re-living that past,” Mrs Lindsay said. “A well executed piece of contemporary public art has the potential to invigorate a community and contribute to its identity.”
More information can be found on the Shire of Collie website or by emailing admin@collieartgallery.org.au.
Expressions of interest must be received no later than 4pm on Friday, 22 August 2014.