City of Newcastle’s new-look Public Art Reference Group (PARG) is keen to deliver some exciting projects throughout the municipality.

Council has appointed five external community-minded art, design and architecture experts to help lead the future of public art in the city that reflects Newcastle’s history, culture and community.  

And, councillors voted to expand the expertise of PARG by appointing members who are professionals in their fields, including local Indigenous cultural representatives and a specialist in heritage.  

The appointed reps include fine arts specialist Edwardo Milan, creative producer Charlotte Hilder, historian of art and iconoclasm Nikolas Orr, researcher Bridie Moran, and Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee co-representatives Andrew Smith and Julieanne Rose. 

Councillor and PARG chair Carol Duncan said the newcomers brought excellence in areas such as visual arts, architecture, cultural leadership and heritage to help further develop and enhance Newcastle’s public art scene.  

“Newcastle is a major arts and cultural destination that is entering a new phase of maturity and sophistication thanks to the ongoing revitalisation of our city,” she explained.

“By expanding and strengthening the expertise of PARG, council is helping take the city’s public art scene to a new level with broader diversity.   

“The PARG panel will continue to come together bi-monthly to consider and consult on all aspects of public art, from advising on the commissioning of new public art proposals associated with large developments in the city to ensuring transparent commissioning processes and supporting major international street art events like Big Picture Festival.” 

Since 2018, the PARG has considered a number of public art proposals related to major private developments in the Newcastle CBD including the Lyrique Lane suspended art installation, water fountain and light art installation on Hunter Street, Illuminart in Newcastle West and Indigenous murals and native artworks on Hannell Street in Wickham.  

Councillor and PARG member John MacKenzie said a key role of the PARG was to consider and consult on public art associated with development applications to ensure relevance of place. 

“The expanded PARG will help applicants incorporate artworks reflective of Newcastle’s culture and heritage, while facilitating opportunities for local artists to create, and residents and visitors to enjoy,” he added.

Fellow PARG member councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the calibre of public art in Newcastle was impressive. 

“Newcastle boasts a proud public art scene featuring work by none other than 2022 Archibald Prize winner and 2019 Kilgour Prize winner Blak Douglas,” she stated.

“But, there is no shortage of artistic talent right here in Newcastle – home to the highest concentration of artists in Australia.”

Newly-appointed PARG member Charlotte Hilder said the expanded panel was eager to take Newcastle’s thriving arts scene to a new level.

“We’re currently reviewing some exciting proposals. 

“We are already poring over concepts and liaising with artists and developers to deliver public art projects for Stage Two of the East End development and the landmark Bowline residential development in Wickham,” she said.

“The new panel members look forward to presenting exhilarating public artworks for the city.”