Public art project for Hervey Bay sacred Indigenous site

The site of the last known corroboree in Hervey Bay is to be commemorated with a public art project, through the Bligh Government’s $12 million public art fund art+place.

Arts Minister Rod Welford and Member for Hervey Bay Andrew McNamara, who are in Hervey Bay and Maryborough for the Bligh Government’s seventh Community Cabinet, visited the site of the planned project at Dayman Park this morning.

“Fraser Coast Regional Council will receive $50,000 to create a unique Indigenous shade shelter at Dayman Park to celebrate the site’s cultural and historic significance,” Mr Welford said.

“Experienced public artist Suzanne Holman is working with local artist Chris Calcutt and members of the Butchulla Community – traditional owners of the site – to create a unique shelter with seating for use at family events and celebrations.

“The design of the shelter embraces the traditional designs and stories of the Butchulla people while also incorporating a sleek, contemporary feel.”

Mr McNamara said the shelter would be located on the newly-created Midden Trail.

“This public art work will give the local community and visitors the chance to appreciate Dayman Park’s cultural significance,” Mr McNamara said. “It will also foster a sense of pride and ownership among the Butchulla people.”

Mr Welford said the project was one of 26 successful public art works selected from 57 applications to the first round of art+place, which will allocate state funding to public art from 2007 to 2010.

“Projects to receive funding all meet art+place requirements that the public art be high quality work that will represent, reflect and inspire the community,” he said.

“art+place has made state funding for public art available for the first time to local councils, not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations, arts and cultural festivals and private developers, as well as State Government departments. “Regional applicants were particularly enthusiastic, making up more than half the applications and 42 per cent of the successful projects.”

Other art+place projects to receive funding include – art works commemorating the history of rail at Townsville’s railway precinct; a large temporary art work for Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers; elevated ‘street art’ at a Gold Coast skate park; and an art project for Indigenous and Sudanese youth through the Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre.

art+place is receiving applications for art works to begin construction in 2009. Applications close 31 July. Visit www.arts.qld.gov.au/art+place for more details.

Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336