The City of Karratha has become home to a significant cultural program, with the Red Earth Arts Precinct at its heart. Following the development of this Precinct, the City also delivered Walgu Park, a new parkland immediately adjacent to the Red Earth Arts Precinct. Walgu Park provides a welcoming entry to the town centre and is highly utilised by the community. As part of this project, an artwork opportunity was identified to further create a sense of place and contribute to the vibrancy of this space.

element was engaged to lead the procurement of this artwork for Walgu Park. Site considerations and requirements were integrated into artist briefs, released via a tender process in early 2020. element then worked with the City and the artist team to deliver the artwork, a highly site-specific mural by local artists depicting the region’s unique flora and fauna.

The resulting artwork is a collaborative mural by Wendy Warrie, Kaye Warrie, Sharon Warrie and Sarah Hicks of Cheeditha Art Group and Jill Churchside. Artists Helen Ansell and Carrie McDowell worked with the artists to create this sensational piece. It features native flora and fauna including Sturt Desert Pea, Wattle Bush, emus, and representations of tidal lines and distinctive Pilbara landscapes.

The artwork enlivens Karratha’s central park, reflective of the community’s unique identity and location.

• Advisory services and recommendations as to the final artwork location, scope and scale
• Detailed artist brief, released via City tender processes
• Access to a comprehensive artist database
• Management of procurement process and artist liaison
• A significant mural by local artists commissioned and delivered on time and in budget