Expressions of interest to re-imagine Bottle Alley in Ipswich are now being accepted. This unique opportunity is open to local, interstate and international creatives until 15 March 2022.
The Bottle Alley public art project has the theme ‘Lost Buildings of Ipswich Central’ and will provide individual artists as well as consortiums of creators with a unique canvas to display their artwork.
Artistic concepts may come in a combination of mediums including mural, sculpture, digital, and light.
“Bottle Alley is a laneway that joins Ellenborough Street with the Nicholas Street Precinct, parts of which date back more than 150 years,” Deputy Mayor and Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic said.
“Our city has a rich heritage, and this theme is to guide the artwork in connecting our history with the future using modern and innovative techniques to create an artwork that will appeal to our community.
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson Councillor Marnie Doyle said that Council recognises that art “improves our public spaces, strengthens local identity, and cultivates a sense of place.”
“In recent years, public art has been a key focus of the Ipswich Central revitalisation with several new works from artists including Lincoln Austin, Rachael Sarra, Kim Ah Sam and Kyra Mancktelow and Fintan Magee,” said Cr Doyle.
“Art is also a significant contributor to our local economy that draws people to local businesses and galleries and fosters cultural tourism through regionally significant events like SPARK Ipswich.”
The project will allow large pieces of artwork to be displayed on more than 60 metres of open-air wall space that can stretch up to three metres high. More space is available inside the tunnel in which an outdoor dining area is also proposed.
“Sitting alongside new restaurants in the proposed Eats building, and as a gateway to Tulmur Place, this public art will help set the mood when entering the Nicholas Street Precinct.
Councillor Doyle added that Council is also in the process of exploring improvement opportunities for Bottle Alley including “additional wayfinding, new screening to replace the existing Queensland Rail security fence, and a potential widening of the alley.”
Artists and designers across Australia and internationally are encouraged to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) by 2:00 p.m. Tuesday 15 March 2022. The EOI process will provide Council with information and concepts from artists necessary to evaluate the most appropriate concept for Bottle Alley.
More information is available at this link.