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Artworks sought to enliven Drysdale Library

June 30, 2022 BY

An artist's render of the new Drysdale Library. Graphics: SUPPLIED

DRYSDALE’S new library will boast creative and encouraging artwork as part of a recently opened commission at the request of the Drysdale community.

The City of Greater Geelong’s creative communities and culture chair, Cr Trent Sullivan said residents, workers and visitors to Drysdale have told the city that they want public art to be a prominent feature of the new $7.592 million Drysdale Library.

“Libraries are more than just books and technology; they’re also places where community members can connect and enjoy arts and culture,” Cr Sullivan said.

“The new library will become a public meeting place for the town, and we want to see works of art that will contribute to the library’s unique design.”

Artists are recommended to consider themes in their submissions, such as the connection between residents in the region, the Bellarine Peninsula itself, the region’s tourism economy and its continual connection to Wadawurrung people.

 

An aerial view render of the new Drysdale Library.

 

The city is also urging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to submit proposals, and any artists not of Wadawurrung cultural heritage will require endorsement from Wadawurrung Traditional Owners if the artist intends to reference Wadawurrung culture in their work.

“We’re seeking submissions for a larger work, or a series of connected smaller-scale works, that encourage people to interact with the space,” Cr Sullivan said.

“We look forward to seeing how artists interpret the site and their response to the key themes we hope to see in their work.

“This is a significant public art commission for the City, and we want to work with the artistic community to deliver a work that enlivens the green spaces around the library.”

Submissions opened earlier this month and the city will notify shortlisted artists by July 22 with the successful artist to be commissioned in September.

The budget for the commission is up to $80,000 plus GST.

The practical completion of the new Drysdale Library at 2-10 Wyndham Street is expected to occur in February next year.

Any artists wishing to request a full brief document for the commission should email [email protected] or head to the City of Greater Geelong’s website.