Indigenous artists commissioned for new Fernleigh Track artwork

BY OLIVIA DILLON

In line with NAIDOC Week, two local Indigenous artists have been commissioned by Lake Macquarie Council to install an artwork along the new Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST). 

Shellie Smith and Daniella Chedzey, alongside fellow artist Julie Squires, will create a work featuring sculptures of traditional 'gunya' shelters, bark canoes and Aboriginal campsites. 

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, said commissioning the work puts Council closer towards completing the FAST project. 

"This will be a meaningful acknowledgement of the traditions and daily lives of Awabakal people, who called this area home for thousands of years before European settlement," she said.

"Commissioning this artwork is another step towards this significant active transport project, linking the end of the Fernleigh Track and Belmont to Blacksmiths."

Once completed, the track will create the longest active transport route in the Hunter region, stretching 27km from from Murrays Beach to Adamstown. 

Manager of City Projects at Lake Macquarie Council Adam Wakeman, said the new installation has been designed  to be interactive and engaging for both locals and tourists, by passing on Awabakal knowledge and culture.

"Being a significant environmental area, we're conscious of the Indigenous heritage of the area, so we've engaged with some Indigenous artists to help us interpret some of the history, not only through architectural works in the bridge, but also the bus shelters and the like that we're opening," he said.  

"We're hoping that once this is opened, it'll help with tourism, activation of the area, as well as being an iconic, recreational pathway for people tp use to get out and get active." 

Image: Lake Macquarie City Council Website

Newcastle Emerging Art Prize Broadens its Horizons

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Newcastle Emerging Art Prize has broadened its horizons, with the introduction of a new name and new categories. 

The competition now known as the Hunter Emerging Art Prize, is celebrating its 20th anniversary by honouring the talent of artists from across the region. 

Emerging artists living in the LGA's of Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Mid Coast, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and the Upper Hunter were welcome to enter this year. 

With over 200 applicants this year, the highest number ever received for this competition, Business Manager at the Newcastle Art Space, Leah Fawthrop, said she felt the new name was more welcoming for local artists. 

"We've always offered the Prize to the Hunter, but I think this reflects it better," she said. 

In addition to a new name, this year has also seen the introduction of two new categories; the Youth Prize and Experimental Art category.

Ms Fawthrop said the introduction of the Youth Prize was made possible with the support of the Squires family, in recognition of the late Jody Robinson's contribution to art education in the Hunter.

"Jody was an art teacher and an art leader. She was very much a mentor for young artists, and she was a passionate believer in supporting young artists."

The winners of the Hunter Emerging Art Prize will be announced at the exhibition opening from 6-8pm on the 26th of February 2022.

Image: Museums and Galleries of NSW

Live Music and Interactive Art Imagined for Hamilton's New James Street Plaza

BY JENAE MADDEN

In the heart of Hamilton, work is currently underway to transform the James Street Plaza on Beaumont Street, set for completion mid-2021. 

The overhaul will see improved paving, new street furniture and fresh landscaping. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the upgrade will transform the plaza into a safer, inclusive, and inviting place for local businesses and the community.

“James Street Plaza is an important space in the Beaumont Street shopping area," the Lord Mayor said. 

“Throughout our community engagement and regular discussions with business owners we have heard lots of ideas of how to improve the space, and in particular address concerns about safety at night.” 

As well as community input, Newcastle Council have collaborated with the University of Newcastle and local historian Ruth Cotton, author of Hidden Hamilton. 

“Etchings on ground paving and signage in the plaza have been informed by Ruth’s extensive research of Hamilton’s history” Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan said. 

Designs in the precinct will tell the story of Hamilton as a mining settlement, its rich European influence from the Lettopalena Italian migrant community and the impact of the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake, as well as honoring the land's traditional ownership by the Awabakal and Worimi people. 

The new James Street Plaza will include an interactive lighting display developed in collaboration with the Newcastle University, intended to spark interest and celebrate Hamilton’s unique character and heritage. 

"Upgrades to seating, paving and landscaping will better facilitate activation of the space for markets and live music," Cr Duncan said. 

Community feedback on the lighting concept options will be sought towards the end of the construction period. 

Image Credit: City of Newcastle

Hamilton Street Art Project Back on Track After COVID-19

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Work on an art installation project celebrating the Hamilton community by decorating electricity pillars and signal boxes has restarted this week.

The Hamilton Business Association recruited artist Rebecca Murray as part of a ten-thousand dollar beautification program - unfortunately, the project was put on hold as plans changed to meet the economic demands of the COVID-19 crisis.

Hamilton Business Association Chair Janice Musumeci says the revitalized project will commemorate the suburb's history through visual narratives and vivid murals.

"We're doing some fabulous murals that are all paying homage to the culture or the relevant business that it happens to be outside," Ms Musumeci said. "When you're strolling you'll be able to see the Telstra poles now painted beautifully, and there's the signal boxes we're doing as well, with a beautiful story about the history of the building that it might be in front of."

Ms Musumeci says she and Ms Murray have also been working closely with local historian Ruth Cotton to ensure the brand new tourist attraction is still "linked back to our history."

While the street art initiative is likely to take months to complete, it is expected to be only the first of many new projects to be rolled out in coming weeks.

"As part of Hamilton Business Association establishing late last year, we asked local business people to provide feedback about how they wanted the Association to spend funds," Ms Musumeci said. "Lots of people wanted to see projects that would help beautify and attract people the precinct."

The Hamilton Business Association's planned projects include new lighting for safety and beautification, a citywide live performance initiative, and a program to help support new businesses in the precinct.

Janice Musumeci and Rebecca Murray.
Image Credit: Hunter Business Association.