Five sites chosen for Lyrics, Landscapes and Lintels Project

25 Oct 2017 9:42 PM -

At its October Ordinary Meeting Leeton Shire Council approved the commissioning of five new interpretive artworks at selected locations around Leeton Shire.

Funding was obtained under the 2016/17 Heritage Near Me Activation Grants for a “Lyrics, Landscapes and Lintels Project” which involved developing Leeton’s Historic Sense of Place through the construction of five civic art heritage stations in Leeton, Yanco and Whitton.

Council’s Manager Library, Culture and Community Penny Davies said in her report to Council that the Leeton Central Business District (CBD) Enhancement Committee had input into the final brief which was then advertised widely through the Western Riverina Arts network.

“High quality submissions were received from seven artists. Following review by a technical advisory group of staff who considered a range of risk, maintenance and compliance factors and found nothing of serious concern, all submissions were presented to the CBD Enhancement Committee for comment. The Committee included representatives from Yanco and Whitton. All councillors have also had an opportunity to review the proposals.”

Mayor Cr Paul Maytom said that the commissioning of these works was a signicant step forward for Leeton’s ever growing local arts and cultural network.

“Telling unique or special stories through artistic expression and design is a wonderful way to showcase to visitors Leeton’s diverse history. It’s always a challenge selecting art as people’s preferences are so different. Council considers that the selected interpretive works will enhance local’s sense of place and create further pride in what makes our Shire the special place that is to live.”  

The five works and locations endorsed by Council were as follows:    

1. “Compass” by Wood to be located at the entrance to Yanco

2. “Whitton Shadow Play” by Gottgens with final design and location to be workshopped with the Whitton community

3. “Art Deco Lanterns” (set of three) by Gottgens to be located in Wade Avenue in a location sympathetic to the CBD Enhancement project Phase 1

4. “Anamorphic Resonance” by Jones and Pritchard to be located in Chelmsford Place and;

5. “Aboriginal Design Art Deco Concrete Lanterns” by Gottgens to be
   located in a prominent public site following discussions with the
   Leeton & District Local Aboriginal Lands Council and Riverina
   Local Lands Services