City of Darwin's Public Art Program will deliver a series of major public art projects over 4 sites between 2019 and 2023. This Program was created in response to sustained requests from the community and elected members to see more public artwork throughout the municipality designed by local artists. Rolling out public artworks within a program framework provides an overarching vision in line with industry best practice. The Public Art Program has established ongoing collaborations and partnerships and will showcase local artistic excellence whilst providing professional development opportunities to grow our local creative economy.

PROJECT 1: Jingili Water Gardens Accessible Playspace – Immersive Art Element in partnership with Freespace Public Art Collective

Under the guidance of Amina McConvell, Creative Producer of Freespace Public Art Collective, public art consultants Milne & Stonehouse have workshopped with artists Abigail Marangurra, Angelique Martin, Joanne Van Roden, Samantha Callaghan, Tara Darcy and Wendy Lamble on this exciting immersive public artwork.

'Magical Mangroves' is the site-specific theme each artist has responded to, drawing from features within the local ecosystem of Rapid Creek. Artist designs will be integrated into the new playground shade cloth, into the design of the Water Garden's new amenity and accessible change facility, and most notably, the Green Ants Nest Playspace – an accessible play centerpiece of the Upgrade. This two-pod structure is custom-made to facilitate creative and inclusive play and exploration.

This project is timelined to be delivered by wet season 2021 - 2022.

PROJECT 2: Bicentennial Park Stand Alone Public Artwork – Storytelling public artwork in partnership with Larrakia Nation

Larrakia Nation and City of Darwin have partnered to implement Council's first Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2020 - 2022 with the roll out of the second THRIVE public art project punctuating this commitment. Larrakia Nation has put forward senior artist Daniel 'Roque' Lee and emerging artist Trent Lee to work in collaboration with Melbourne First Nations-led creative producers Garuwa Creative on a stand-alone piece of public art scoped for the Daly Street end of Bicentennial Park. Garuwa Creative will work with the artists to conceptualise, fabricate and install the sculpture, which will showcase a Larrakia story relevant to the Esplanade precinct.

This Project will be the first time Larrakia stories are manifested within the Park, and will be the largest amount of money Council has committed to a public art project to date.

This project is timelined to be delivered by the end of calendar year 2021.

PROJECT 3: In development

For more information on the THRIVE public art program, please contact the Arts and Cultural Development Officer at arts@darwin.nt.gov.au