Right now, we’re calling for community feedback on the draft Public Art Strategy 2022-2032, an important document which guides our vision and approach for public art in Wollongong.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that public art can take many forms.
“At its simplest, public art is art that has been made specifically for a public space such as a garden, park, building, or street. It can take the form of a sculpture, a painting, video, light, sound or a mixture of both,” Cr Bradbery said.
“There are over 170 permanent public art works on display across the Wollongong Local Government Area. On top of that our city is home to many temporary artworks such as the Sculpture in the Garden or upcoming Spin Fest inflatable sculptures. It’s safe to say that public art is something we all experience every day in our community.
“A good piece of public art sparks conversation and encourages people to engage with the artwork and the public space in a new way. Not all art is made to be beautiful or appealing. Sometimes its purpose is to challenge our expectations of what art should or could be.
“Public art can often be thought-provoking, stimulating, or even confronting, but most importantly, a successful piece of public art makes us feel something and asks us to pause, and reflect on the artwork and space.”
Wollongong City Council’s approach to public art aims to reflect and celebrate our artistic, social and cultural landscape. The draft Public Art Strategy 2022-2032 guides:
- Our vision and approach for public art in Wollongong
- Why and how we are involved in public art
- What we gain as a community by supporting public art.
“The draft Strategy is a 10-year plan that looks at ways we can continue to improve and add value to our city’s artistic and cultural landscape,” Cr Bradbery said.
“Art is by its nature, subjective. Having a strategy in place will give us a clear direction on the value of incorporating arts and culture across the early stages of the planning, construction and management of our town centres.
“Public art, whether temporary or permanent, is something we all benefit from, and I highly encourage everyone to take a look at the draft strategy and share your favourite public art works both in Wollongong and globally.”
There are three ways community members can get involved:
- Share a photo or comment about a public artwork you love – it can be here in Wollongong, in Australia or anywhere in the world.
- Join a local public art walking tour. We’re holding mini public art tours around the Wollongong CBD on Friday 19 August. Sign up online or calling (02) 4227 7111.
- Submitting feedback on the draft Public Art Strategy 2022-2032 by visiting the Our Wollongong website.
