Public art forum
Behind the scenes of public art (free event)
What exactly is public art? Is it an installation, a sculpture, screen projection, pavement engraving or all of the above? And what is it for?
Join local experts Gretchen Hillhouse, Laura Jade and Dan Mitchell at a free event to get the low-down on what is involved in public art commissioning.
The presenters will discuss what is currently happening in public art in our shire, recent projects, the possibilities of public art, 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.
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
For more information contact Madeleine McClelland, Council’s Creative Industries Officer, by emailing m.mcclelland@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.
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.