Following a nationwide call out, 180 artist entries and a rigorous selection process, Sunshine Coast Council has announced the artists who will create two major art installations for the highly-anticipated new Library+ in Caloundra.
Jade Oakley
The new Library+, scheduled to open later this year, will feature an impressive entry statement from Sydney-based artist Jade Oakley that will hang suspended from the atrium ceiling, ready to wow visitors upon entry.
Oakley said Flutter was a vibrant, sculptural mobile inspired by the colour and movement of the region's vivid parrot species.
"The abbreviated curves and feather-like elements of the mobile depicts the essence of flight, bringing vibrant swirls of colour and energy to this important civic space," Ms Oakley said.
"This artwork will feel like it belongs in the space, whilst fostering a sense of belonging in the local community."
Oakley will create the work in collaboration with Creative Road and Parts Department fabricators from Brisbane and our local community
Get involved - Community workshops
The community is invited to contribute to the artwork Flutter and celebrate the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast during a series of artist-led workshops at Caloundra Regional Gallery to be held on March 21 and 22.
Community artworks will be incorporated and re-imagined as a moving image artwork, projected beneath the sculpture, creating an immersive experience.
Details about these workshops and how you can get involved, are available on the Caloundra Regional Gallery website.
Manning Daly
The second art piece comes from nationally renowned, local contemporary art team, Glen Manning and Cathy Daly, 'Manning Daly' and will hang in the foyer.
As long-term residents of the Sunshine Coast and leading national artists creating public art commissions throughout Australia, Manning and Daly said they were thrilled to work locally and connect with their community.
"Interconnected is a large-scale sculptural installation work that draws attention to the microscopic world of mycelium or fungal networks that are present throughout the landscape," Manning and Daly said.
"A matrix of intricately 'woven' reflective stainless-steel mycelium appears to grow and spreads across the foyer wall, mimicking the interaction and connectivity of the people within the library space.
"Paths are followed, and connections are made, knowledge is gained and stronger relationships with the community are grown.
"The aim of this art concept is to bring into focus the remarkable world of mycelium beneath our feet and its importance as a bio-indicator of our environment."
On the Sunshine Coast, Manning Daly have produced works such as Phytoplankton in Bokarina and Patterns in the Landscape presented at Horizon Festival 2017.
Vision coming to life
Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the Sunshine Coast continues to develop its place in the arts sector with 180 entries from artists across Australia.
An evaluation panel comprising Council representatives and independent arts advisors had a huge challenge to select just two works from the 180 artists and it is always pleasing when a local is selected," Cr Law said.
"Both artworks will become part of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection, contributing to the region's growing public art portfolio.
"This public art initiative is one of the first elements in a broader project to expand the vibrant Community and Creative hub in Caloundra.
"The Caloundra Community and Creative Hub is a vision that is coming to fruition with the opening of the new Library+ building.
"Further stages of this hub are anticipated to include the creation of a new town square adjacent to Bulcock Street.
"Meanwhile, a design competition for a proposed new Sunshine Coast Regional Gallery to replace the existing Caloundra Regional Gallery is underway.
"Public art has always been part of that vision and aligns with the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan."
