Mural the start of a public art trail for Singleton
Published on 01 November 2024
Work will begin next week on a major outdoor mural that will be the first of two significant artworks to pop up in Singleton over the next three months in the creation of a public art trail for the local government area.
Following a competitive selection process, a vibrant mural of a bushland sunrise designed by artist Ellie Hannon was chosen to transform the New England Highway underpass in John and Queen Streets while designer and landscape architect David Cianci has been commissioned to create a landmark sculpture for Townhead Park.
Both projects have been funded by the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions Program Round 8.
Ellie will be onsite to transform the underpass into a kaleidoscope of colour from Monday 4 November and is expected to take two weeks to complete the mural, weather permitting.
While vehicular traffic won’t be affected, pedestrians will be detoured onto the footpath on the Civic Park side of the roadway.
Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore said a panel of experts and community members selected Ellie’s mural design as the best choice to brighten up the underpass.
“The hundreds of cars and pedestrians that go past the underpass each day will soon see the grey wall transformed with a mural that captures the light, colour, and shapes of our unique local bushland,” she said.
“Meanwhile, David’s sculpture design will be an eye-catching new addition to the Townhead Park precinct, which will illuminate the park at night.
“We’re looking forward to the installation and unveiling of the sculpture in January 2025.”
Cr Moore said the two artworks would continue Council’s work over the past decade to revitalise and activate key community spaces.
“Public art plays a crucial role in creating connected and vibrant communities, which aligns with our residents’ vision for Singleton, and will contribute to enhancing the look of town and boosting visitation,” she said.
“An art trail is a key priority in both Council’s Arts + Culture Strategy 2020-2030 and Hunter Valley Destination Management Plan 2022-2030 and is designed to connect communities and key spaces across Singleton and the broader Hunter region, enhancing the tourism potential of the area.”