Local artists to add special touches to duplication project

THREE local artists with deep roots to the Geelong community will create a series of engaging artworks to brighten up the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication.

Wadawurrung artists Billy-Jay (BJ) O’Toole and Kait James and local creative James Price will have their works exhibited over three separate sections of the Regional Rail Revival duplication project.

The First Nations pair will create artworks on the Surf Coast Highway and Fyans Street rail bridges respectively, while Mr Price will have his works featured on the South Geelong pedestrian overpass and ramps.

Local landscapes, coastline and traditional names will be prominent in Mr O’Toole’s design for his 108m section of artwork on the Surf Coast Highway rail bridge.

The First Nations artist has grown up living across Torquay and Mount Duneed in the past 10 years and travels the Surf Coast Highway daily.

He said working on the project would be his proudest moment to date.

“This is stuff you dream about everyday to one day be able to achieve something to this calibre,” he stated on social media.

“Through this design, I have captured the land features that surround the location as you’re travelling south along the Surf Coast Highway.

“A massive thankyou again to everyone who helped made this possible, I couldn’t have done it without your help guidance and expertise.

“Now to wait and see it all come to life through installation.”

Kait James’ piece will champion the native silver wattle, which grows throughout Wadawurrung Country, particularly along the Barwon River.

James Price’s design aims to represent how sport connects things at all different levels and is often the way people connect with their community.

All themes for the artworks were chosen in collaboration with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and community feedback.

Expressions of interest are now open for two similar art opportunities as part of upgrades at Marshall Station.

To learn more and apply, head to bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/regional-rail-revival/geelong/first-artists-announced-for-duplication-project