New public art pieces popping up in Shellharbour City

Public artworks are currently popping up around the city as part of Shellharbour City Council’s Public Art Program.

There are two new public artworks to keep an eye out for – a mural on a property boundary wall facing Shellharbour Road and a sculpture on the top of the Shellharbour Exhibition Centre in Shellharbour Village.

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said that public art enhanced public spaces in the region through its ability to create unexpected moments of beauty and reflection.

“The integration of art in Shellharbour’s public spaces is essential in developing a shared sense of pride and connection within the community.” Cr Saliba said.

“The Shellharbour region is home to many talented and creative people. Giving them opportunities to create public art not only gives great meaning and value to our unique city, it also has the potential to create positive economic impacts,” she said.

The mural is by local artist Mikey Freedom (pictured below with Mayor Marianne Saliba) and reflects the changing face of Shellharbour with reference to the regions many beaches and coastal bird life.

The wall in which the mural features has been a repeated target for graffiti. It is hoped the mural will help prevent further damage to the area and enrich the daily lives of residents and visitors.

The sculpture, titled Fluidity by artist Orlando Norrish, is an abstract piece that spans 15 metres in length and is comprised of steel sheets that have been folded into geometric shapes (click here for Facebook video).

It resembles a school of fish that sweep across the roof of the building and transform into a flock of birds as it lifts up towards the sky.

The piece is a celebration of diversity, movement and change both within the natural world and in modern society.

Shellharbour City Council is seeking community feedback to help develop the upcoming Public Art Strategy for the region.

Submit feedback on Council’s website: https://letschatshellharbour.com/public-art.

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