Western Downs Regional Council has announced three shortlisted artists for the 2024-25 Lake Broadwater Public Art Project.
The 2024-25 Public Art Project invited emerging, mid-career and established artists to propose 2D or 3D designs for a site-responsive piece that creatively and sensitively engages with both the cultural heritage and natural environment of Lake Broadwater.
This project is a key part of Council's ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant public art ecosystem. It aims to enhance liveability in the Western Downs, bolstering the region's reputation as a thriving hub for arts and culture.
Following a call for Expressions of Interest in October 2024, the project's assessment panel reviewed a diverse collection of creative and engaging concepts from artists across Australia.
Artists Xinyi Wang, Yu-Fang Chang and Frederick Beel have been successfully shortlisted, and each has been commissioned to develop a detailed design proposal for final assessment in January 2025.
Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Tourism and Recreational Spaces Kaye Maguire said Council will work closely with the selected artist to complete the production and installation of the final work at Lake Broadwater Conservation Park.
"The Western Downs has some of the best natural attractions in Australia, and Council is committed to ensuring our water recreation spaces and facilities are attractive, safe and accessible," Cr Maguire said.
"The successful project will not only contribute to the aesthetic improvement and interpretation of both built and natural environments but also serve as a celebration of community identity and pride.
"I'm really excited to see the ideas put forward by these three incredible artists and I cannot wait to see the detailed designs they present for this project."
Cr Maguire said Council's Public Art Project had recently been the catalyst for the grand opening of another vibrant community artwork at Tara Lagoon Parklands in November 2024.
"Visitors to the Tara Lagoon can now enjoy a brilliant new mural by local artists Regina Hyland which features a cockatoo and a galah having a chat among the gum leaves during a stunning Western Downs sunset," Cr Maguire said.
"The mural is a wonderful conversation starter, serving as a reminder to take the time to have a chat. It's also becoming a favourite place for visitors to snap a memorable photo or two during their visit to Tara.
"This project has been a wonderful outcome for the Tara community, who were able to guide Council in selecting the mural design and the perfect location for it during a series of public consultation workshops and an online survey."
Artists concepts will be assessed by early February 2025.
