Long Distance is one of the sculptures on the trail, which will soon grow after expressions of interest were sought for further sculptures. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Artists are being given the chance to leave a lasting mark on Shellharbour, with plans unveiled for two major new sculptures along the city’s growing Lake Illawarra Art Trail.
Expressions of interest are now open for creatives to design interactive works at Lake Illawarra and Barrack Point, aimed at bringing local stories, culture and community spaces to life.
Shellharbour City Council Mayor Chris Homer said the artworks would encourage play, discovery and community connection at each location, and are also intended to reflect local stories, culture and the natural environments of Lake Illawarra and Barrack Point.
“Shellharbour has a proud and growing arts culture, and these new public artworks will be another exciting step in celebrating the stories, landscapes and spirit that make our city unique,” Cr Homer said.
A project budget of $110,000 has been allocated for each artwork, representing one of council’s most significant public art investments in recent years.
In 2023, the trail saw the introduction of Burri Burri by Yuin educator Jodi Edwards at Reddall Reserve at Lake Illawarra, which tells the story of the Burri Burri humpback whale.
It also has two large ‘coolamons’, which were traditionally used by Aboriginal women to carry water and food, and to cradle babies.
That same year, Long Distance by Carla Gottgens was included on the trail at Shellharbour’s Bardsley Park, which shows two enormous whale tails breaching the surface and are an ode to the humpback’s annual migration of up to 10,000 km which takes the creatures past Shellharbour’s coast.
Other artworks include Synergy showing seaweed intertwined with marine life specific to Lake Illawarra, and Fauna of the Lake, featuring carvings of animal species.
All artworks are included on the Tread Shellharbour App.
It’s not the only opportunity available for artists in Shellharbour, with invitations open for emerging and established artists to reimagine public space through Art in Unexpected Places.
It commissions creative, uplifting designs for Shellharbour’s bus shelters and the Shellharbour Airport terminal, providing the artists the chance to transform everyday commuter and traveller experiences through colour, pattern, illustration or storytelling.
Applications are also open for the Artist in Residence, a supported studio program designed to help artists develop new work, test ideas, or expand their creative practice.
The residency provides free access to a dedicated studio space, professional support, and opportunities to connect with Shellharbour’s arts community. Artists from all disciplines are welcome to apply.
Applications for the Shellharbour Art Trail public art project close at 5 pm on 26 May, and shortlisted artists will each receive $2000 to develop a detailed concept. To apply, visit council’s Opportunity for Artists webpage.
Apply for all other artist programs through council’s website.
