Fast five: public artworks to keep an eye out for

Image: Integral Energy Park Mural - Motor Museum Mural.

There’s a little extra colour in the neighbourhood! Right now, the paintbrushes are being packed away as several local artists finish up work on new murals across the city.

Now’s the time to go for a tour of the city and check out some of the latest public artworks.

If you’re wondering why Council invests in public art, it’s because our community has told us that they care about living in a creative and vibrant city. Public art also brings culture and new ideas into everyday spaces. This makes accessing art more accessible, a value that’s close to our hearts.

It’s also important we support the arts and of course artists themselves, whose work help make community life great.

Next time you’re in search of a creative lift, check out some of these new public artworks.

Not sure how to look at art in a curious way? Read more in our media release: ‘Practice looking at art’.

1. Western Suburbs Pool Mural

By artist: Karla Hayes.

Chapman Street, Unanderra on the front of the Western Suburbs Pool building.

A word from the artist:

"Drawing inspiration from… experiences snorkelling through vibrant reefs off NSW’s coast, this design aims to convey the interdependence of species, while showing off the strangeness of the sponges and their silhouettes amongst the reef.

You’ll notice how species weave together physically but also metaphorically (sea dragon to eel, octopus to diver, hands woven into sponges) indicating their close relationships. This weaving of species also makes good use of the long narrow spaces - creating more bang for your buck in portraying the diversity of the Great Southern Reef."

2. Integral Energy Park Mural - Motor Museum Mural

By artist: xmirific.

Darkes Road, on the old amenities block.

A word from the artist:

"I drew inspiration for my mural from the Motor Museum and the local wildlife found at the Kembla Joggers running track in the Integral Energy Park. I had a great experience painting this project and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with Council. People visiting my artwork will hopefully feel invited and welcome to visit the Integral Energy Park."

3. Hooka Creek Shared Path Mural

By artists: James Middleton, in collaboration with Aunty Narelle Thomas and Aunty Lorraine Brown.

Hooka Creek Bridge, corner of Sussex and Holborn Streets, Berkeley.

A word from the artist (James):

"I had the honour to collaborate with Aunty Lorraine Brown and Aunty Narelle Thomas to create a mural leading to the restored Hooka Creek foot bridge.

I reinterpreted the Aunties sketches of local medicinal plants used by their people for thousands of years into a design that I then painted directly onto the footpath. I hope this artwork helps people connect with the beauty of nature and the ancient knowledge of first Australians."

4. UCI legacy artwork – ‘Spin’

By artist: Jane Cavanough.

Lang Park, Wollongong.

In September 2022 Wollongong welcomed the world to the city by hosting the 2022 UCI Road World Championships. This international event saw 670 elite cyclists from 73 nations competing on our streets. Wollongong City Council commissioned award-winning artist Jane Cavanough to create a public artwork that celebrates the Championships and Wollongong’s status as a UCI Bike City.

A word from the artist:

"Spin captures Wollongong’s significant landforms and seascapes particular to the UCI race routes, within forms derived from bicycles, such as the wheel, hub, chain and spokes."

5. [Coming soon] You Belong Here, I Belong Here

By artist: Stephanie Quirk and supported by students from West Wollongong Public School, Lindsay Park Public School and Keira High School.

To be unveiled outside the Wollongong Town Hall during Culture Mix (Saturday 21 October).

A word from the artist:

"The schools embarked on a journey to celebrate and explore cultural identities and connections. I held workshops which ignited conversations around culture and belonging, with students exploring the vibrant threads that compose their individual and collective heritage.

One student’s insight, that culture was about belonging, gave rise to the project’s title and embodies the essence of the artwork.

As project leader, I foresee "You Belong Here, I Belong Here" as more than art – it's a catalyst for conversations."

Read more about this work in progress artwork: ‘Local students work together to create new artwork’.