City of Greater Geraldton seeks community feedback on draft art master plan to liven up region

The City of Greater Geraldton is seeking community feedback for its plan to help liven up public spaces throughout the city and region.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to adopt the public art master plan draft for public consultation.

The plan, which would be in place until 2030, focuses on a number of different types of public art including murals, sculptural, integrated, ephemeral, play-friendly, and cultural and commemorative art.

According to the draft plan, while the city centre was highlighted, other areas including Greenough, Walkaway and Mullewa were included and could provide inspiration for different projects.

Key narratives included family and connection, perseverance and diversity.

Opportunities for future projects were also discussed in the document with the sculptures at Art Gallery Park, various locations throughout the CBD, sculptures in Cape Burney, art to welcome visitors at the airport, and the various murals across the city used as examples.

Cr Steve Cooper, who moved the motion, said at the meeting it was a long-term approach to art in the wider community, with a deliberate approach for the arts committee not to prioritise specific projects, rather suggesting how artists could approach it.

Mayor Jerry Clune said a blueprint would assist artists with their submissions to the city.

“The draft plan takes into account the care and maintenance of the city’s existing public art collection along with opportunities for new installations,” he said.

“The framework provides rigour around how public art submissions will be assessed, new works procured, aged works decommissioned, and defines the key curatorial themes, key narratives and concepts public art should explore.

“The plan also outlines how the city will continue to deliver important community and public art programs, while also creating unique tourism opportunities through larger-scale works.”

Members of the community can provide feedback on the plan through a City of Greater Geraldton survey online.

Paper copies are also available at the art gallery, the library, the civic centre and Mullewa District Office.

Submissions for feedback will close at 4pm on Monday, March 17.