New works forge a trail for Singleton as a destination for public art
Published on 14 March 2025
The first projects in the development of a public art trail for Singleton have been officially celebrated at a special event at Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre this morning, led by Mayor of Singleton Cr Sue Moore and including talks by the artists.
Sunrise and the Eucalypts by artist Ellie Hannon has transformed the New England Highway underpass at John and Queen streets, Singleton with her depiction of a bright bushland sunrise, while artist, designer and landscape architect David Cianci created The Land Around Us, a sculpture standing at 5.7m tall in tribute to Singleton’s native environment and a lasting symbol of shared values, community spirit, and commitment to a sustainable future for everyone.
The sculpture, installed at Townhead Park and visible to passing traffic on the New England Highway, also illuminates at night.
Both projects were funded from $250,000 from the NSW Government and will enhance the local cultural landscape and contribute to the region’s growing reputation as a destination for art and culture.
The artists, Ellie Hannon and David Cianci were commissioned as the result of a competitive selection process to create works aimed at enhancing Singleton’s cultural and aesthetic landscape with a public arts trail.
An art trail is a key priority in Singleton Council’s Arts + Culture Strategy 2020-2030 as well as the Hunter Valley Destination Management Plan 2022-2030 to connect communities and key spaces across Singleton and the broader Hunter region and enhance the tourism potential of the area.
Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore said:
“These two artworks are a wonderful continuation of Council’s work over the past decade to revitalise and activate key public spaces to support our vision for a vibrant and connected community.
“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 our town as a destination especially after the Singleton Bypass is complete.
“We’re already seeing lots of people—both locals and visitors—enjoy the new works thanks to the support of the NSW Government, and we look forward to continuing to work together to build on the expansion of the arts trail in the future.”
Vicki Brereton, Council’s Director Organisation + Community Capacity said:
“Council recognises the value of quality arts and cultural programs to enrich the personal lives of residents, support the social and cultural wellbeing of the community and add to our social infrastructure.
“Following on from the success of the Singleton Arts + Cultural Centre, these two new additions to our community help to bring art beyond the walls of the building to be accessed and enjoyed in a whole new way.
“Council envisages that public art will become an intrinsic part of Singleton’s identity, enriching tourism and boosting the local economy by building landmarks that celebrate our creativity, heritage, and culture.”