Public art in Lake Macquarie is set for a major boost with the installation of a large-scale sculpture at Boolaroo.
It complements the opening of expressions of interest to create a series of iconic artworks along the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track.
Sculpture by the Sea winner David Ball has created the newly-installed 4.5m-tall Eolian on the corner of Munibung Road and Lake Road at Boolaroo – one of the gateways to the City’s North West Catalyst Area.
The circular steel installation, co-funded as part of the Australian Government’s Munibung Road extension project, is designed to reflect the area’s industrial past, while framing views of Munibung Hill and the surrounding landscape.
“Particularly on this site, it’s about new beginnings, and giving back to the landscape,” Mr Ball said.
“There’s a lot of line work and design that comes from the geology and biology of the area.”
The installation coincides with the opening of expressions of interest for nine separate artworks on the soon-to-be-built Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST) and in the surrounding area.
Lake Macquarie City Council urban and public art curator Kattie Bugeja said the project, worth a total $200,000, was seeking submissions from emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Australia.
“The FAST route will take in culturally and historically significant parts of Belmont, including Belmont Lagoon,” she stated.
“These public artworks will express connection to country and the area’s cultural significance.”
The installations will include a major artwork where the FAST shared pathway joins the existing Fernleigh Track at Belmont.
Eight others will be dotted along the route and further south at Blacksmiths and Swansea.
“The artworks are part of the NSW Government funding agreement for the FAST project,” Ms Bugeja said.
“This project will be an iconic walking and cycling route, a destination for visitors and a connection to Lake Macquarie’s strong and vibrant Aboriginal community.”
Aboriginal community development officer Maree Edwards said a panel of Aboriginal community representatives would help decide the winning submissions.
“This is an opportunity not only to recognise the area’s history in a meaningful and enduring way, but to celebrate Aboriginal culture today,” she added.
“I’m really excited to see what comes out of it.”
Expressions of interest close on Wednesday 18 August.
Go to www.lakemac.com.au for more information.
Landscaping around the new Eolian sculpture will be completed in coming days.
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