Three new artworks will transform the city centre alongside the City of Sydney’s $220 million contribution to the State Government’s light rail project that will transform the city with major public domain upgrades, including new infrastructure and the pedestrianisation of George Street. The artworks are the first three projects of the City Centre Public Art Plan.
From nearly 700 expressions of interest from artists representing 25 countries, the first three artworks under the City Centre Public Art Plan have been unanimously selected by a distinguished panel. On reaching their decision, the Public Art Advisory Panel said:
These works all rise to the most challenging brief to bring a focus, distinction and richness to Sydney’s vision for its prime civic spaces through the creativity of the world’s best artists. Together, the three works form a rich tapestry that will add memorable, contemporary works of art that are unique to place and time.
The artworks are the first three projects from the City’s $9.3 million City Centre Public Art Plan, which was developed in collaboration with Sydney-based international curator Barbara Flynn. The works were chosen by a panel that included Ms Flynn, the City’s Design Director and four members of the City’s Public Art Advisory Panel:
- Lisa Havilah, Director of Carriageworks
- Richard Johnson, Professor of Architecture at UNSW
- Janet Laurence, Artist and visiting fellow at the College of Fine Arts
- Anne Loxley, Curator of C3West for the Museum of Contemporary Art
The City will now begin a thorough design development process for all three works, including consultation with local businesses and residents. The works are expected to be installed from 2017
