The Murray Council has recently voted 9 – 0 to develop a new public art planning policy for the Pinjarra town centre.
The policy encouraged the installation of art within the Pinjarra town centre by requiring a public art component as part of any significant development works within the town.
The developer must have artwork on a visible portion of the building or provide a monetary contibution to the Shire to go toward promoting local art.
The contribution would be 1% of the estimated cost of development, for building works exceeding $100,000.
Murray Shire chief executive officer Dean Unsworth said the move had been in the works since June 2016, when the Shire endorsed the Pinjarra Town Centre Revitalisation Strategy.
He said the strategy included “celebrating Pinjarra’s distinctive character and identity and providing attractive and friendly streets and public spaces”.
“Public art is considered critical to achieving these outcomes,” Mr Unsworth said.
“It contributes to the character and identity of a place by interpreting the local culture, its community and customs.
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“Fortunately, Pinjarra also has a strong and active creative community that are working towards developing greater awareness of the importance of the arts.”
“It also differentiates a place through distinct, iconic, memorable works whether that be in the form of sculptures, street furniture, wall art, feature lighting or architectural features.
“All of which, will provide important landmarks helping the community and visitors to navigate the town.”
Mr Dean said the Shire also had an annual Street Art Fund that provided grants to local secondary students and artisans to utilise recycled material to create unique street art for the town centre.
Full-time Mandurah artist and Fairbridge Village Art Gallery coordinator Margaret Francis said local art is important to Pinjarra.
“It’s a small community that has a lot of artists living in the town,” Ms Francis said.
“Artwork livens up the town and encourages conversation.
“If a piece of street art makes somebody smile it is very important.”
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
