Finding home on Ballarat's empty plinth

MORE than one person reached discreetly for a handkerchief as artist Kathy Holowko spoke of the experiences that inspired her contribution to Ballarat’s Empty Plinth Project.

Requiring a crane to lift it into place, Holowko’s work Nesting is the first artwork commissioned for the project, now installed at the Intercultural Gardens on the corner of Sturt and Pleasant streets.

The Blackwood-based artist, who is of Ukrainian heritage, said the piece was shaped by themes of home, acceptance and respect for others and all life forms.

Not so empty plinth: Blackwood artist Kathy Holowko beside her artwork Nesting. Photo: EVIE LAMB

“The wooden forms in this sculpture represent the concept of home and are based on the domed-shaped nests of the native superb fairy wren,” Holowko told those gathered last Thursday for a special celebration of the work and the wider project.

“Both sets of my grandparents were displaced from their homes.

“I was born and bred here but the legacies of my family’s experience are deep in my bones.”

While Nesting has been on display at the Intercultural Gardens since mid-2025, its official recognition as the inaugural Empty Plinth Project artwork was delayed by weather.

Superb fairy wren: Holowko explains the inspiration behind Nesting during a celebration of the artwork last week. Photo: SUPPLIED

“The artwork has been a beautiful addition to the Intercultural Garden and a testament to Ballarat as a city that honours and celebrates cultural diversity,” City of Ballarat mayor Tracey Hargreaves said.

Melbourne artist Jingwen He has been announced as the next artist to contribute to the Empty Plinth Project.

Jingwen is of Chinese heritage and her new work will reference the rich history of Chinese migration into Ballarat during the gold-rush era. It will be installed in July, following the conclusion of Nesting’s display.

Delivered in collaboration with Multicultural Arts Victoria, the Empty Plinth Project forms part of the city’s Temporary Public Art Program, commissioning a new temporary artwork each year to remain on the plinth for about 12 months.

“This project has the potential to create a profound impact on the Australian arts landscape,” Multicultural Arts Victoria’s Miriam Abud said.

“We have had applications from artists from across the country. It is such a great opportunity to foster another way for the voices of multicultural Australia to be heard in the community.”