Go behind the scenes of public art at a community forum
Published on 09 January 2025
Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting the community to a free forum to learn what’s involved in planning and commissioning public art across the shire.
Behind the Scenes of Public Art is on Wednesday 5 February, from 6.00pm to 8.00pm at the Castlemaine Art Museum.
The event will host community experts Gretchen Hillhouse, Laura Jade and Dan Mitchell who will each discuss recent projects, the possibilities of public art for our shire, the commissioning process including First Nations considerations, and more.
There will be a Q&A session at the end of the forum where audience members can ask questions of public art experts.
Panellist Laura Jade said: “It’s been so exciting to be part of the panel at this critical time in the development of public art for our region.
“As a resident here, I am keen for more local creatives and community members to understand that public art offers unique interactive experiences that inspire curiosity and wonder.
“I hope that by increasing public art opportunities we can enrich the possibilities for our creative enjoyment here in Castlemaine and surrounding towns.”
Council’s Manager Economy and Culture, Merryn Tinkler, said that the forum is an opportunity to learn about the public art process and ask questions.
“At Council we believe in the power of art to tell stories, beautify our shire and represent our unique character.
“We’re committed to public art, which you can see through recent investment and the establishment of our Public Art Advisory Panel.
“We have a number of exciting initiatives on the horizon, and this forum is a great opportunity to learn about them, and find out what opportunities they offer local artists and residents.”
Behind the scenes of public art
When: Wednesday 5 February, 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Where: Castlemaine Art Museum
Cost: Free
Book: events.humanitix.com/behind-the-scenes-of-public-art
Panellists
Gretchen Hillhouse
Gretchen will unpack the broad possibilities for public art, sharing examples of work that has been designed to integrate with place, people and local identity. By stepping through the commissioning process she will demystify what is involved for artists, residents, landowners, local businesses and developers in the creation of a public art piece, whether it’s a mural or a major installation.
Gretchen brings over 30 years of creative professional practice to her role as director of Artly Architectural – a public arts practice working with developers and councils to create art works and infrastructure design that brings spaces to life. She is committed to amplifying the voice of First Nation artists, providing a culturally aware and culturally safe commissioning experience and positive outcomes for clients and artists.
Laura Jade
Laura will share her experiences creating the public artwork, Pocket Cosmos, for the Curiocity Festival in Brisbane. Jade will unpack how she navigated the commission process to successfully gain funds and support to create a giant vertical kaleidoscope which transforms the surrounding environment into light, colour and movement.
Laura specialises in immersive public art at the intersection of art, biology, lighting, and technology. Her large-scale installations have been shown at festivals and esteemed institutions globally. Passionate about unveiling hidden biological phenomena through art and light, Laura enjoys engaging the public with unique interactive experiences that inspire curiosity and wonder.
Dan Mitchell
Dan will consider how public art can be a catalyst for story-telling, truth-telling and reclaiming colonised spaces. He will outline some key principles for First Nations commissioning and challenge us to think differently about inclusion of First Nations perspectives in public art.
Dan is an artist working across major festivals, circus, theatre, music and public art, and has had a 30-year career as a creative producer. A person with Whadjuk Noongar and European heritage, he is drawn to the tension, dysfunction and contradiction inherent in Australian culture. Dan was the Senior Producer of the Indigenous Cultural Program at Footscray Community Arts Centre, and is now Creative Producer Arts Strategy at Dumawul for the Djaara Corporation.
For more information visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/PublicArtForum or contact Madeleine McClelland, Council’s Creative Industries Officer, by emailing m.mcclelland@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.