Self-Guided Art Walk Launched

A self-guided walking tour that takes in 11 public art sites across Darwin city and the Waterfront was launched today.

An initiative of Darwin Visual Arts Association (DVAA), the curated art tour has been funded by City of Darwin through a $10,000 community grant.

“City of Darwin is delighted to support such a terrific project” said Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis.

“This self-guided tour will encourage people to walk around our beautiful city, take time to appreciate the many artworks on display and enjoy a coffee or cool drink along the way.”

Alison Edwards, General Manager of DVAA said the project came out of a desire to give greater prominence to public art in and around Darwin city.

“Our aim is to showcase the fantastic artworks we have ‘hidden’ across our city,” Ms Edwards said.

“Artworks from some of the most prominent artists in the Northern Territory and Australia are featured in the tour.”

“The tour features artwork from across all mediums, including sculpture and mosaics, glass work and murals. Through the tour people of all ages and abilities will be able to access and enjoy this wonderful public art,” Ms Edward concluded.

The self-guided walking tour uses a map of the CBD and Waterfront, with a key providing a photo of each artwork, artist details and an explanation of each piece.

Artworks include;

  • a mosaic on the floor of the Supreme Court that depicts the dream time legend of the seven sisters, by Yiwarra Jukurrpa
  • a stained glass window in Christ Church Cathedral representing fish nets and waves during a cyclone, designed by George Chaloupka
  • a cast aluminium sculpture at Darwin Waterfront depicting the cycles of growth and decay, by Katrina Tyler
  • termite mounds at DVA’s office in the Harbour View Building, painted by local artists
  • murals that line the funky art space in historic Air Raid Arcade.

The self-guide art walk maps will be available through Tourism Top End and Darwin cafes.

City of Darwin is providing further support for the project to digitise the map so that is can be found online.

/Media Release. View in full here.