The Local Connect and Create project is an exciting public art initiative designed to bring colour, creativity, and community stories into the heart of Carnarvon.
As part of the Carnarvon Activation Plan, this project was developed to create a local artistic hub that would showcase local art, stories and events, whilst encouraging exploration of the area by the community and visitors alike.
Stage One of the project saw the development of ‘The Hub’, which transformed a previously untenanted building into an artist in residency/local making and exhibition space. Along with ‘The Hub’, which is now complete and in operation, this stage of the project also includes the installation of a digital LED screen at the Civic Centre for promotion of local events and content and 9 public art elements throughout Robinson Street and Van Dongen Park.
These public art elements blend art with functionality, featuring permanent seating installations in Robinson Street that will be both visually striking and practical for public use. A key feature of this initiative is the use of recycled timber from the historic One Mile Jetty, ensuring that these public art pieces honour Carnarvon’s heritage while enhancing its main street with functional, long-lasting designs.
A key component of Stage Two of this project is to deliver an iconic light-art trail to encourage exploration and to showcase local stories within the town centre. This trail will complement the public art elements from Stage One of the project and the town’s existing public art.
Community Consultation
Community input was central to the vision of individual elements within the Carnarvon Activation Plan. The Plan was shaped through a co-design process, where residents, businesses, and local groups provided feedback in two community workshops held in June and September 2023.
Artist Engagement
In 2024, the Shire of Carnarvon undertook an EOI for artists to be part of the Connect & Create project. This resulted in the Shire engaging artist, Peta Riley.
Peta, a former Carnarvon local now based in Geraldton, spent 10 years living and working in Carnarvon’s Fishing Industry before shifting her focus to art. Her deep connection to the town and firsthand experience of its landscapes, industries, and people bring a unique and authentic perspective to her work.
Stage Two of the project will also engage local artists / art groups to help inform the design.
Stage One
With ‘The Hub’ complete and in operation, further deliverables to support the project will include:
- A Digital Screen – located outside the Civic Centre, this will showcase local artworks, creative content and community stories, providing a dynamic space for visual storytelling.
- Permanent Seating Installations - sculptural seating elements in Robinson Street, designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind.
- Recycled One Mile Jetty Timber – incorporate timber salvaged from the historic jetty, preserving its legacy in a meaningful way.
- Integration with the Van Dongen Park Project – public art elements will also be featured in the redeveloped park, ensuring a seamless connection between community spaces.
Following artist engagement and detailed design, local contractor W&C Co Mechanical and Civil have recently been awarded works to undertake the construction, coordination and installation of a series of public art piece for this project. Works have now commenced with the contractor recently collecting recovered timber from the historic One Mile Jetty for the project.
Funding ensures that public art becomes a defining feature of Carnarvon’s town centre, making it more inviting, engaging, and reflective of the local identity. At the March 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting, the Shire received a $3.357 million grant from Lotterywest to deliver Phase One of the Carnarvon Activation Plan, of which included funding towards the Connect and Create project.
Stage Two
Funding has been obtained from the Australian Government’s regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) for the next stage of this project, to deliver a locally created art and lighting trail to the local artist hub to complement Stage One of the project and the town’s existing public art. A Request for Quote is under development to support detailed design and will be released in the coming months.