Thousands of local community members have embraced the opportunity to have their say on what they would like to see installed on the Cockburn Station Tower.
The month-long survey was released in December 2019 after the deteriorating ‘Faces of the Community’ artworks were removed in October due to safety concerns.
The survey offered four options from which respondents could choose – a new piece of artwork, a clock, a digital screen, or the return of the controversial but long-standing Cockburn Faces artwork.
There were 2,413 entries received in total, with 43 per cent opting for a new piece of artwork. Some of the common themes suggested included indigenous artwork, native fauna, flora or landscapes, and works created by local artists.
Thirty-seven per cent of respondents preferred the analogue clock, while the digital advertising screen and restoration of the faces received 12 and eight per cent support, respectively.
With the preferred option now chosen, the Public Transport Authority will put out a call through Tenders WA in the coming months for local Western Australian artists to enter their designs.
Submissions will be shortlisted to three, with the shortlist to go out to a community vote.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Thousands of people travel past this tower each day, so it’s no surprise that this survey was so popular.
“The community has spoken and, with almost half of the votes going for new artwork, our attention will now turn towards selecting an appropriate piece for the tower.
“Soon the PTA will put a call out for artwork submissions and I encourage local artists to apply to be a part of this unique opportunity.”
As stated by Cockburn MLA Francis Logan:
“The Cockburn tower would have to be one of the most-talked about subjects in the electorate and the southern suburbs, so I will be very interested to see the proposed artwork.
“I hope that it will be something that is attractive, relevant and amuses both local residents and freeway users, and hopefully by a local artist.
“One thing I would not like is it to cause the same confusion as the previous artworks did.”
As stated by Jandakot MLA Yaz Mubarakai:
“We will always remember the Cockburn Faces, and now the community has spoken – we are very excited about what the replacement will be.
“Thousands of motorists and train commuters see the Cockburn Tower every day so it’s important they’ve been able to have their say and the most popular option has been selected.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for local artists to make their mark on an extremely visible canvas.”
