A call out for artists was advertised in February
of this year to be part of the “On the Edge” – a public art project initiated
by Gillian Savage of Maribyrnong City Council in collaboration with artist in resident Kendal Henry. The project involves exhibiting artwork at allocated public
sites throughout the central business district of Footscray to be installed by
the 15th of November. The project
developed out of a Public Art Policy
that was adopted by council. Read it if you have an idle moment. As boring as it sounds, the policy is
quite an ambitious and inspiring document. The invitation to exhibit in “On the
Edge” had no formal guidelines or prerequisites and people of all backgrounds were
encouraged to participate. The budget is small so experienced guidance is beneficial.
Henry has 20 years of experience working with public art in many forms from
large to small scale and temporary to permanent. Henry has approached this
project without a theme and has let the site-specific element dictate the
outcome; inevitably the artwork will address social and political issues on a
local level. Henry has consulted the artists throughout the project beginning
with the idea, expanding on the concept, problem solving the practical issues
and studio visits. While artwork within a gallery environment can have
problematic installation issues, this can be increased within public art
context such as weather, structural site and public antipathy. A challenge for
the artist is how they present their work to a public involuntary audience.
Unlike a museum, a person doesn’t choose to view art in a public
space. An interesting factor is how people view art and the time they have to
engage and interpret work. This blog will endeavour to follow the progress of
this project as an artist, a student in arts management and viewer.
Your loyal public art servant.
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