Thomas Road Roundabout Artwork

Arts & Culture
The Client
Main Roads and City of Kwinana
Project Team
Kate Parker
Director / Principal - Arts & Culture
Tegan Patrucco
Senior Consultant - Arts & Culture
The Project

Part of Main Road’s Thomas Road Duplication and Safety Improvement project involves the widening of the road between Kwinana Freeway and Bombay Boulevard, including the installation of a new major round about. In line with major infrastructure projects of a similar nature, Main Roads has committed to commissioning a major artwork as part of this project, partly funded by City of Kwinana. The new roundabout has been earmarked as the preferred location for this work.

There is also an important cultural context to be considered in the development of this work – with the neighbouring site revealing significant Noongar artefacts and remains. This is an excellent opportunity to acknowledge Noongar culture and significance authentically and meaningfully in Western Australia, with the potential to set a new benchmark for projects of this nature.

Our Role

element have been appointed as the preferred consultant to manage the procurement and delivery of this significant artwork. We have facilitated an Expression of Interest process to local Noongar artists, using a best practice model, and are now working closely with the preferred artist team, led by Noongar Yamatji artist Justin Martin, to install this significant sculptural work.

Outcomes

Justin’s striking installation will feature delicate spider orchids within a ‘yooral’ carrying bowl sitting atop three paperbark trunks, standing nearly 10m tall at the centre of the new roundabout on Thomas Road. It will be illuminated through the night, visible from the Thomas Road off-ramp, and has been designed to become synonymous with entering the ‘gateway’ of Kwinana. The artwork was commissioned to reference the significance of the surrounding land to Aboriginal people, including five known Aboriginal Heritage sites in the area.

The project was guided by the City’s Boola Maara Advisory Group, made up of Local Elders, community leaders, organisational representatives, City staff, and Elected Members, to ensure that the artwork reflects and celebrates the cultural significance of the area.

The Milne Stonehouse/Martin team will also host professional development workshops locally to build capacity among other local creatives, including Aboriginal artists, by equipping them with the skills to write tenders and market their work.

What We Delivered
  • Public Art Plan, including program, budget and methodology for procurement.
  • EOI process to identify local Noongar artists for the commission opportunity.
  • Artist briefing documents and on site briefing for the short listed artists.
  • Management of the selection panel process and appointment of the preferred artist.
  • Ongoing management and liaison with the key stakeholders, client and artist team, ahead of delivery in November 2023.

Related Projects

City of Greater Geraldton Public Art Strategy
Karratha Walgu Park Mural
Kalgoorlie City Centre Public Art