James Cook University town planning students are tracking down and mapping public art in inner-city Cairns.
Students from JCU’s Tropical Urbanism and Design Lab (TUDLab) are designing a public art trail, so visitors and locals can combine an urban stroll with art and culture.
“Cairns is a creative city and our public art works tell our stories,” TUDLab’s founder Lisa Law said.
“We have major public works that reflect our history and our cultural diversity, including an enviable collection of works by contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
“We know the Cairns Regional Council recognizes and values our strong arts sector, so we’ve challenged our students to support that by mapping urban art sites and then coming up with a walking trail that will connect them all.”
The students received expert guidance from guest lecturers Councillor Amy Eden, landscape architect Andrew Prowse, and architects Gisela Jung and Roger Mainwood before embarking on their project.
“It’s about creating a pleasant and comfortable experience for walkers on the trail, considering factors such as shade, possible refreshment stops and access to our cultural landmarks, including the Cairns Regional Gallery, Bulmba-ja and Munro Martin Parklands,” Associate Professor Law said.
“The trail will also guide walkers to spots where they can enjoy the city’s public art while taking in views across the inlet and to the surrounding mountain ranges.”
