Outputs 2013 /14

Includes TCC funded and private Developer funded (TCC supported) commissions

Includes TCC funded and private Developer funded (TCC Supported) commissions

Due to damage and/or expiration of life-cycle

To inform future developments, Gallery Services sought to undertake a thorough assessment of the city’s public art collection within the reporting period. The assessment has included documentation, condition reports and conservation recommendations, and by the end of 2013/2014 was largely complete. The assessment will form the basis of a developed maintenance schedule detailing plans for the preservation of the city’s public artworks, and will also inform the future development of online and physical public art trails to increase access to the works by the public. The assessments also fully revealed the large scope of work required within this area, and a dedicated Public Art Officer will commence with Gallery Services in early 2014/2015 to address this need.

Relocations and maintenance of artworks were regularly conducted in 2013/2014 to ensure the best display of works for the community. Such projects included the relocation of Jan Hynes’ humorous cast bronze sculpture Bazza and Shazza to The Strand, providing an ideal picture opportunity with Magnetic Island providing a picturesque backdrop; the re-fabrication of Jayne Howlett’s wall-fixed wood carving Oceanic Images, located on the rear of an amenities building on The Strand; and the removal, repair, and temporary storage of the Brolga sculpture previously located at the now disused Visitor Information Centre on the southern approach to Townsville. Plans for the relocation of the Brolga in 2014/2015 are well advanced.

Sadly, Dr. Robert Preston’s large mosaic entitled In the Lagoon of Mythic Origin, which was located near the Gregory Street headland, was also removed in the reporting period following an assessment by Gallery Services staff in conjunction with Dr. Preston. It was observed the work had been lifting and deteriorating over time and could pose a public safety risk. Having lasted 13 years, In the Lagoon of Mythic Origin had been very successful in terms of the lifespan of a public artwork, particularly one subject to the harsh conditions of our tropical coastline. In keeping with the artist’s wishes, and ensuring the ongoing legacy of the work, 350kg of the Tesserae tiles that were removed were disseminated amongst local artists, educators and groups – including the North Queensland Potters Association Inc, the Mental Health Fellowship, and

Auscare – in order to be re-purposed and utilised for the production of new artworks or to conduct children’s and adult’s art classes.

In accordance with the Art In Public Spaces objectives, Gallery Services undertook a guiding and support role with Stockland in the development and provision of public art as part of the North Shore development. This partnership was in many ways the testing gound to realise productive collaboration between private developers and Townsville City Council in the processes and practice of Public Art Masterplanning and comissioning. As a result Stockland have implemented a holistic masterplan for the provision of public art throughout the North Shore development, with the first major commision by artist Paul D. Johnson, entitled Solaris, unveiled in 2014.

Throughout 2013/2014, Gallery Services was instrumental in the increased legalised Street Art activity undertaken in the Townsville region. Activity conducted included two major commissions of street art murals; one by local artist Kennie Deaner in Denham Lane, and a second work by internationally renowned artist Fintan Magee commissioned by Lancini Property and Development and guided by Gallery Services. Perhaps the key outcome in this reporting period was the formation of a Street Art Activation Working Group, which is undertaking a thorough examination of the artform in Townsville in order to develop a holistic Legalised Street Art Activation framework. Members of the Working Group are representative of the varied subject experts and stakeholders.

Following lengthy periods of development and review, it will now be undertaken that the Art In Public Spaces policy and framework be integrated into the Townsville City Council Planning Scheme. Gallery Services will continue to develop the policy and framework in 2014/2015, and collaborate with Planning and Development to undertake a holistic implementation. This long-term planning project will realise for the City of Townsville an integrated, city-wide Art In Public Spaces framework and policy to increase opportunities for artists, and map priority sites for activation, while also governing commissioning and conservation processes.