Cr Bernadette Thomas
The City of Maribyrnong is lucky to be home to a thriving creative community and vibrant arts and culture scene. If you are looking for some creative comfort as the weather cools, Maribyrnong has a lot to keep you physically and artistically warm!
Recently, I joined our new Arts Advisory Committee. The Committee was formed to strengthen partnerships between Council, artists and local organisations in generating arts and cultural experiences for our community to participate and enjoy.
Through our discussion, I was reminded of just how much art is a key part of our urban environment.
You don’t have to go far to experience art at your doorstep.
Why not put on your walking shoes and take Council’s new walking tour of local StreetWORKS murals.
It is enjoyable for both children and adults.
The StreetWORKS program has been supporting artists to activate sites across the municipality with engaging murals since 2014.
To coincide with 10 years of the StreetWORKS program, Council has recently commissioned 10 new artworks to brighten up our streets in partnership with the Victorian Government.
You will be amazed by the vibrant colours and bold messages that reflect the diversity of our community, giving a nod to our shared history, and imagining what our collective future might be.
Pick up a free StreetWORKS walking map of Footscray at your local library or community centre.
Our public art program continues to delight when you least expect it, popping up in our parks and open spaces, and along the river like the gateway sculpture, Maribyrnong by Geoff Bartlett at the Hopkins Street Bridge; the illuminated flower sculpture, Billy Button Band by Yarraville-based collective Skunk Control at the Billy Button Children’s Centre; and more recently, Architecture of the Sole by Tracey Lamb as part of the new Henry Turner South Pavilion.
You may have also noticed that we have wrapped some of our public infrastructure in local artist’s drawings and paintings.
Check out the public toilets in Footscray and Yarraville, the new electric vehicle charger in the Raleigh Street car park, and our traffic light boxes!
These are some of the ways we are helping to bring more vibrancy to our neighbourhoods.
Later this year, Council will begin the early work on updating the Strategy for arts, culture and creativity in Maribyrnong. For anyone interested in the City’s arts and culture, the monthly e-news Art Bytes is a great way to stay connected.
Details: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/arts-and-culture/Programs/Sector-development/Creative-
opportunities/Art-Bytes for more.
