By Gabriella Payne
Experienced local artists are being invited to submit their ideas for a splashing new artwork at the Pakenham Outdoor Pool, as part of a new mural initiative set up by the Cardinia Shire Council.
The council hope that this idea will help breathe a bit of life into an overlooked communal area and support a local artist in the process.
Murals are a great and colourful way to help brighten up town attractions, while simultaneously reflecting some aspects of our vibrant community.
A Cardinia Shire Council spokesperson said that after receiving expressions of interest, the council would select one artist to create the mural with a budget of up to $20,000.
“Cardinia Shire Council is extending an invitation to a suitably experienced artist or group of artists to submit an expression of interest to develop a mural artwork for the Pakenham Outdoor Pool,” the spokesperson said.
“The artist/s costs will be covered to the value of $20,000 (ex GST).
“This amount is to cover all costs associated with the project including concept approval, community consultation, concept development and construction of the mural wall to surround the pool shed.
“Concepts will need to address the physical, cultural, and social environment of Pakenham and the pool itself,” they said.
While ideas for the mural’s concept are up to the artist, the council suggested a number of themes for artists to consider when applying.
“Ideas for the design include, but are not limited to: indigeneity and multiculturalism, water [or] local history.
“The township of Pakenham is culturally diverse and artist/s are encouraged to explore themes of multiculturalism and indigeneity.
“If you are not of a First Nations background, you must seek guidance and advice from First Nations individuals and/or groups prior to developing the design,” they said.
“Themes of water, aquatics or an outdoor pool setting [are another design idea, and in terms of] local history, the Pakenham Outdoor Pool holds a place of significance for the communities in Cardinia Shire as an iconic summer destination for kids, teens, seniors and families for many years.
“The history of the area could be given consideration in the mural design.”
The council spokesperson said that artists’ proposals would be measured against a number of criteria, including proposed community engagement (particularly with surrounding communities); the appropriateness of the proposed theme; their ability to deliver the project, as well as the design’s artistic merit.
For further information or to arrange a site visit prior to submitting a proposal, please contact the Cardinia Shire Council’s Arts Project Officer, Gabby Fisher at arts@cardinia.vic.gov.au
