Darebin Street and Public Art
In 1996 Darebin City Council embarked on one of the most ambitious public art programs in Australia outside a central business district. After more than two decades the City of Darebin has earned an impressive reputation for enhancing its urban landscape with innovative public art projects.
The location of the public art collection plus interesting street art is:
Alphington Area
The Nest by David Bell and Gary Tippett
The symbolic egg form at the heart of this design echoes the hope for recovery and new life, and for the rebirth of the land. The piece also references the conservation role of the park and in particular the role this park plays for the many birds that live and nest within.
Location: Darebin Parklands, 28 Yarana Road, Alphington
Smith Street Mural (Alphington) by Lucy Lucy (2018)
Location: 28 Bennett Street, Alphington (east side of property next to Darebin Parklands entrance
Bundoora Area
Mount Cooper Estate Entry Signage by David Bell and Gary Tippett, 2013
The design for this signage uses the extinct volcano motif and a sense of rolling hills/elevation with a silhouette representation of the homestead. The design splits the two entities (Mt Cooper Sign and Bundoora Homestead sign) into separate signs making twice the impact and adding to the 3D effect. The work uses patinated steel and Cyprus for longevity and a natural appearance and steel lettering which will never deteriorate
Location: 1069 Plenty Road, Bundoora
The Source by Adrian Mauriks (2005)
Six white sculptural components: a tall bud-like form, a reclining form that refers to various kinds of animals (possum, dugong), a round form that visitors to the park can sit on to view the artwork and three squarish forms that define the space the art is placed in and that park visitors can also sit on. The work relates to the themes outlined in the artists brief, particularly to the 'Present' and 'Future' with an emphasis on the natural environment. The colour and the reclining form, which appears embryonic, bring to mind birth and new beginnings and the bud, the flowering of life.
Location: Bundoora Homestead Arts Centre, 7 Prospect Hill Drive, Bundoora
Source by Adrian Mauriks
The work relates to the themes the 'Present' and 'Future' with an emphasis on the natural environment. The colour and the reclining form, which appears embryonic, bring to mind birth and new beginnings and the bud, the flowering of life.
Location: Bundoora Park entrance, Cnr River Red Gum Avenue and Plenty Road, Bundoora
Wonder Walk by Al Start (2020)
A series of 12 artworks were integrated into the design to form a trail at Norris Bank Play Space. The artworks are located on paving at key points throughout the play space. Each painting was designed as a stylised icon, to focus on raising awareness about the environment and sustainability, and of the importance of protecting biodiversity, ecology and the natural environment.
Location: Norris Bank Play Space, 63W McLeans Road, Bundoora
La Trobe University Sculpture Park
The La Trobe University Sculpture Park is nestled in the beautiful bushland setting of the University's Melbourne campus and features works from every decade since the establishment of the University in the mid-1960s. The collection reflects key movements and trends in contemporary Australian sculpture, including pieces by Inge King, Robert Klippel, Leonard French, Karen Ward and Reko Rennie. Free access to the public.
Location: La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Cnr Plenty Road and Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora
The Ramp by Caroline Beach, Adam Dettrick & Dale Stephens
Location: Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, 14 Snake Gully Drive, Bundoora
Fairfield Area
Fairfield Industrial Dog Object (FIDO)
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by Alistair Knox, Ian Sinclair, Jacki Staude and David Davies.Originally, through the use of sensors and digital controls, FIDO talked to passers by, wagged its tail, wiggled its ears and lit up at night. Unfortunately these controls are no longer working and it is not known whether they will be repaired. The materials used, the form and the interactive nature of this monumental work were chosen specifically to respond to the friendliness and vitality of Fairfield Village and enhance the sense of community for this dog-loving precinct.
Location: Next to Fairfield Railway Station, Corner of Wingrove Street and Station Street, Fairfield
Fairfield Library and Community Centre Ornamental Grille by Carla Van Laar (2000)
This artwork consists of a steel sheet that has cut out decorative forms in it with coloured glass inlays. The work is fixed to the facade of the entrance walkway to the Fairfield Library and Community Centre.
Location: Fairfield Library and Community Centre, 121 Station St, Fairfield
Fairfield Pavement Mosaics by Simon Normand (1995)
These works consist of approximately twelve glass mosaic inlays set into the footpath particularly sited in the shopping block closest to the railway crossing in Station Street Fairfield. Some of the mosaics are titled Beware of Trains, Booms or Bells, Railway Crossing and Keep Clear.
Location: Corner of Wingrove Street and Station Street, Fairfield
Two Fat Monks Wall Mural
The Two Fat Monks cafe has now closed but the mural might remain (hopefully)
Location: 254 Wingrove Street, Fairfield
Northcote Area
Mosaic Mounds by Irianna Kanellopolou (2003)
This work consists of three mosaic forms described as 'mounds'. The mounds are cement forms with ceramic tiles in different shades of blue adhered as mosaic to the surface of the mounds. There are screen-printed images on some of the tiles and these forms combine a visual collage reflecting the past via historic photos and the present via children's drawings. They represent a metaphoric melting pot of memories and dreams.
Location: All Nations Park, opposite 79 Dennis Street, Northcote (northern side of hill)
Veterans Walk & ANZAC Memorial by Down Street Studios & Cicada Blue Landscape Design (2002)
Made from stainless steel, bronze, bluestone and timber, the memorial is designed by Down Street Studios and Cicada Blue Landscape Design and aims to produce a memorial to war veterans and local heroes providing an opportunity to inform new generations of Australians of their contributions. The memorial is a quiet contemplative space for reflection by visiting veterans and their families. The highly visual Memorial is designed to complement the unique design of All Nations Park and is utilized for special services and gatherings.
Location: All Nations Park, Breavington Way, Northcote (western side of hill)
The Dance by Arhonda Orestia (2003)
This is a sculpture made from bands of steel formed into tall 'crown-like or inverted 'v' shapes'. The work has panels of etched copper with text in different languages riveted onto areas of the steel that overlap. The design expresses and reflects Darebin's cultural diversity and the history of the site.
Location: All Nations Park, Breavington Way, Northcote (top of hill)
Snake by Cathy Adams (2003)
This work represents 'Mindi' the Red-Bellied Black Snake, who is regarded by the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation as a spirit of good fortune.
Location: All Nations Park, Cnr Kellett Street and Brickworks Lane, Northcote
The Gathering by Irianna Kanellopolou (2003)
This work consists of three 'piles of rock-like forms' set in vertical formations. The work is made from clay and cement. The clay used in these pieces reflects the history of the site by referring to the earth and to the brick manufacturing that took place in the area. The formations of the rocks represent the strength of the community and the building blocks of our multicultural heritage.
Location: All Nations Park, opposite #7 Brickworks Lane, Northcote
Unit by Irianna Kanellopolou (2003)
This work consists of three figures (each approximately one metre high) made from cement, and painted three different shades of a Red Iron Oxide colour. The works were made with the intention of celebrating community and the importance of diverse cultures to the identity of Darebin. Uniqueness and individuality are reflected while creating an overall sense of unity and belonging.
Location: All Nations Park, opposite #21 Brickworks Lane, Northcote
Petals by Arhonda Orestia (2003)
Two petal-shaped forms made of galvanised steel. The petals represent voyage, destination and arrival to a new place.
Location: All Nations Park, opposite #51 Brickworks Lane, Northcote
Windows by Arhonda Orestia (2003)
Galvanised steel structures shaped like doors or windows with etched copper panels with images on them and patinated surface colour. The designs express and reflect Darebin's cultural diversity and the history of the site, from the land of which the Wurundjeri are the traditional custodians, to brick works (Northcote Brick Company) and then finally as the Northcote Landfill.
Location: All Nations Park, Burt Street, Northcote
Meeting Place by Wendy Watjera Berick, (Constructed by Cathy Adams and Urban Colours) 2003
Wooden poles made from treated pine with painted designs in acrylic paint. The work also includes 12 Redgum 'stepping stones' set into the ground in concrete pads
Location: All Nations Park, Hopetoun Street, Northcote
Northcote Plaza Veterinary Clinic Artwork
Location: 43 Dennis Street, Northcote
Robs Parade Mural
Location: 1 Robs Parade, Northcote
Santa Maria College Artwork
Location: 50 Separation St, Northcote
Split Rock
Natural rock that is split in two pieces and set in a concrete base.
Location: Rubie Thomson Reserve, 356 Separation St, Northcote
High Street Westgarth Precinct Artwork by Enver Camdal, Helen Bodycomb and Chris Rack
The artwork includes stainless steel broken insect wing segments, skeletal animal sections turned into bike racks, dog anchors, dragonfly wings on the power poles, glass mosaic sunk into the pavement and vibrant colours stretching along the strip.
Location: 130 High Street, Northcote
Cnr High and Westgarth Street Toilets
Location: Cnr High and Westgarth Street, Northcote
Cnr High and Westgarth Street Vic Roads Box
Location: Cnr High and Westgarth Street, Northcote
Northcote Exchange Mural by Dvate (2016) and Putos
Location: Cnr High Street and Bayview Street, Northcote
Baden Morgan Reserve Mosaic by Ryhannen Cahill, Anita Georiatis, Christine Munster, Andrew Scott, Daniel Corretti, Layla Beavis and Jessica Sayers (2003)
A large pavement mosaic made up of small glass tiles, created as part of a training and employment program.
Location: Baden Morgan Reserve, Cnr Robert Street and Jackson Street, Northcote
Helen Street Building Artwork
Location: 109 Helen Street, Northcote
Helen Street Snake Mural
Location: Cnr Helen Street and Claude Street, Northcote
Keith Haring Tribute Mural
Location: Cnr Helen Street and Arthurton Road, Northcote
Little Eastment Street Carpark Murals
Location: Little Eastment Street, Northcote
Call and Response by Pierre Proske (2015)
A solar-powered sound and light installation inspired by the dynamics of bird calls, in particular the call of the bell bird prevalent along Darebin's creeks. The installation holds several audio speakers which, together with the lights, play out a complex choreography of audio samples from Darebin's various native fauna responses. The result is a dynamic light experience driven by naturally ambient sounds that celebrates the gateway to the municipality of Darebin.
Location: Walker Street, Northcote
Northcote Folly Fountain
This is believed to have once operated as an ornamental drinking fountain. Constructed of basalt rock, terracotta pipes and concrete and featuring tiny angel heads. This type of garden structure is commonly referred to as a 'Folly'.
Location: 27 High Street, Northcote
Northcote Civic Square Mural by Ray Thomas
A large, vibrant painted bas relief mural. The mural was created by local indigenous artist, Ray Thomas (born Melbourne 1960, Gunnai, Barlijan Family), and is an iconographic recognition of ancient lineage and celebrates a respect for people and country
Location: Northcote Town Hall, 195 High Street, Northcote
Gum Trees at Dusk Mural by Tom Civil (2017)
Location: Behind Clifton Street Children's Centre, 55 Clifton Street, Northcote
The Eye On High
This artwork consists of a large work formed like a sign outside the Stuzzi Restaurant. A large, stylised eye, with steel eyelashes, the work is constructed from steel and fibreglass
Location: 325 High Street, Northcote
Vessel by Arhonda Orestia (2003)
A boat-shaped structure made from galvanised steel with panels of copper riveted onto the surface of the structure. The design reflects Darebin's cultural diversity and the history of the site.
Location: Walley Street, Northcote
Northcote Wayfinding Project Inlay
The Northcote Wayfinding project inlays are approximately 10 ornate disks set into the footpath around Claude St, Helen St and Turnbull Grove Northcote.
Location: 80 Helen Street, Northcote
Northcote Wayfinding Project Inlay
The Northcote Wayfinding project inlays are approximately 10 ornate disks set into the footpath around Claude St, Helen St and Turnbull Grove Northcote.
Location: 80 Helen Street, Northcote
Preston Area
Preston Library Water Tank Murals by Lucy Lucy
Location: Preston Library, 266 Gower Street, Preston
Untitled Reg Parker Sculpture
The sculpture is an example of a classic formalist work by one of the early practitioners of the style in Australia.
Location: Preston Library, 266 Gower Street, Preston
Well Place Preston by Zabelski Han
by Zabelski HanThe horse in this piece refers to the working animals that were part of Preston's industrial history. The human, in offering the horse water, is providing it with nourishment. There is a connection that symbolises the inter-dependent relationship between them.
Location: Preston Library, 266 Gower Street, Preston
Kelvin Grove Toilets (Preston)
Location: Cnr Kelvin Grove and Gower Street, Preston
The Connection by Michael Snape
The Connection depicts many people coming together in an animated, alive way, the separate components becoming one. It refers to the meaningful links between different groups in the community and the connections which contribute to harmony in Darebin.
Location: Preston Civic Forecourt, 274 Gower Street, Preston
Caffe Rustico Mural by Sofles and Smug
Location: 267 Gower Street, Preston
Preston Market Murals
by Minna Leunig
by Reka
by Elliot 'Numskull' Routledge and Brad 'Beastman' Eastman.The work work reflects the core values of Preston, which included family, music, art, food and sustainability.
Location: Preston Market, 22 Cramer Street, Preston
Cnr High Street and David Street Mural
Location: Cnr High Street and Bruce Street, Preston
Cnr High Street and Bruce Street Mural
Location: Cnr High Street and Bruce Street, Preston
Shadow Creek by Down Street Studios (1999)
The work is an ornamental seat and fountain. The serpentine curve of the structure is built in rock, with a rivulet carving its way along the spine to allow the passage of reticulated water. The seating is hand-carved timber. A variety of animals, reptiles and insects are cast in aluminium on the rock surface.
Location: Ruthven Reserve, Cnr Malpas St and Donald St, Preston
Bill Shorten Mural
Building is due to be sold and the mural probably will be demolished.
Location: 176 High Street, Preston
Nino Early Learning Adventures Mural by D. Arena (2018)
Location: 365 Bell St, Preston
Three Follies (3 Works) by Bush Projects
Three Follies are a series of three structures made from recycled brick and concrete. The proposed artwork reconnects residents to the isolated island oasis of Ray Bramham Gardens by providing an interactive work which honours the botanical theme of the park while subtly referencing both the site's industrial history and the local vernacular suburban architecture.
Location: Ray Bramham Gardens, 50 St Georges Street, Preston
Lebanese Immigrant Memorial
Location: Ray Bramham Gardens, 50 St Georges Street, Preston
Clifton Grove Murals by Hayden Dewar
Location: 1 Clifton Grove, Preston
Reservoir Area
Remnant Bush Rock Wall by Anderson Hunt, Cameron Robbins, Janine Stratton (1998)
This work is a large structure of stones, a cairn. It is constructed using volcanic rock from the area and has a number of metal plaques set into the sides of the rock structure. On one plaque the wording reads 'Remnant Bush', another says 'Urban Push' and the third plaque reads 'Machine Axe & Fire'.
Location: 23 Blake Street, Reservoir
Blue Orchid by Anuradha Patel and Zabelski Han (2011)
The Blue Orchid sculpture is a 'tree form' and seat. The themes are evoked through a range of images: water appears on the horizontal plane that connects the three uprights. While the themes of history and diversity are evoked through flora and fauna imagery, from Indigenous plants to those of the farms, backyards and kitchen gardens of the area.
Location: Corner Cheddar Road and Broadway, Reservoir
Rec Art by Sandy Caldow, Brian Scott and PiOh (2009)
Rec Art is a public art project that utilised only materials discovered at the Resource Recovery Centre.
Location: 19 Hillcroft Street, Reservoir
The Aquatic Mural Project by Carla Van Laar, 2003
Glass mosaic tiles constructed to form design 'decals' that are fixed onto large columns in the interior of the swimming pool complex. The images used in the designs are based on a water theme and include fish, crabs etc. The large columns are painted purple. Project involved residents from Edwards Lodge & Parkwood Supported Residential Services.
Location: Reservoir Neighbourhood House, 7 Cuthbert Road, Reservoir
Journey, Welcome & Creation by Jenny Steiner, 2011
Three pieces commissioned by the artist displayed on the walls of the Reservoir Neighborhood House.
Location: Reservoir Neighbourhood House, 7 Cuthbert Road, Reservoir
Cheddar Road Toilet Block Mural and Artwork
Location: Cnr Cheddar Road and Broadway, Reservoir
Robot Mural by Atmospheric Fabrications
The mural cleverly incorporates the window into the design.
Location: The Window Corner Cafe, 3 Mendip Road, Reservoir
Flowers Mural by Atmospheric Fabrications
Location: The Window Corner Cafe, 3 Mendip Road, Reservoir
Baba the Dog Mural by Atmospheric Fabrications
Baba, the pooch of the artist of the mural, kept running away from home to go to The Window Corner cafe to get food treats and is now graces the wall.
Location: The Window Corner Cafe, 3 Mendip Road, Reservoir
Preston Reservoir Adult Community Education (PRACE) Mural by Hayden Dewar
A large wrap around mural which features many staff and students from PRACE as well as depictions of activities and local indigenous flora.
Location: PRACE exterior wall, 35 Sturdee Street, Reservoir
Mother & Child Mural by Hayden Dewar
The mural wraps around the corner and highlights the plight of the Regent Honey Eater and Leadbeaters Possum - both of which are critically endangered due to habitat loss. The mural is titled 'Mother & child' as it features a mother and her young of both animals then the human counterpart. The message here is that hopefully we raise our young to care enough about our planet and it's creatures to effect the change necessary to enable them to continue raising their young and increase in numbers.
Location: Reservoir Leisure Centre west wall, 2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir
Reservoir Neighbourhood House Mural
Location: 7 Cuthbert Road, Reservoir
T.W. Andrews Reserve Sculptural Seats
Location: 23 Fordham Road, Reservoir
Thornbury Area
Sailing Down The Steps by Simon Normand (2003)
There are two pieces to this work. They symbolise the diverse waves of people coming to Thornbury and the subsequent layers of cultural change and complexity. The boats visually transform the park into a river - an interesting feature as both parks are an overflow path for the drains during floods.
Locations: Roberts, Oliver, Jones and Harry Reserves, Thornbury. These reserves link streets around 18 Rossmoyne Street, Thornbury
Clapham Street RIP Elli G Mural
Location: Cnr Clapham Street and Hutton Street, Thornbury
Womens Health in the North Mural by Lucy Lucy
Location: 680 High Street, Thornbury
The Wanderers Mural by Tom Civil (2014)
Location: Cnr High Street and Raleigh Street, Thornbury
McDonald Reserve Murals
Location: 5 Clarendon Street, Thornbury
Reconciliation Fountain by Glenn Romanis
The fountain tells how water came back to the land after a long drought by making the frog that had swallowed all of the water, laugh.
Location: St Mary's, 726 High Street, Thornbury
Son of a Pizzaiolo Pinocchio Mural
Location: 794 High Street, Thornbury
Greek Street Food Sign
Location: 794 High Street, Thornbury
Cnr High and Blythe Street Mural by Heesco and other artists
Location: Cnr High and Blythe Street, Thornbury
Cnr High and Smith Street Mural by Cam Scale (2015)
Location: Cnr High and Smith Street, Thornbury
The Chimney Sculpture by Simon Normand (2003)
This project actively involved local school students and was assisted by the nearby Northcote Pottery. The art work was completed in two stages and includes a decorative gateway, a playground, walkways and inlaid park benches.
Location: Clyde Jones Reserve, 171 Clarendon Street, Thornbury
Koori Mural
by Megan Evans, Millie Yarran, Ian Johnson, Les Griggs, Elaine Trott and Ray Thomas (1983)
The Koori Mural was designed by artist Megan Evans in consultation with a committee from the Aborigines Advancement League consisting of the late Lin Onus, the late Molly Dyer, the late Ron Johnson and the late Elizabeth Hoffman. It was painted by Evans and renowned Aboriginal artist Ray Thomas along with Ian Johnson, Millie Yarram, Les Griggs, Elaine Trott and a number of volunteers. The mural has considerable historical and cultural significance and refers to the experiences of the the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, from early colonial history to the more recent struggle for social justice. In 2014 the mural was replicated onto a vinyl banner and installed at its current site.
Location: 2 Murray Street, Thornbury
Aboriginal Advancement League Murals by Adnate
Location: 2 Watt Street, Thornbury
Sir Douglas Nicholls Sporting Complex Shelter Murals
Location: 2 Watt Street, Thornbury
Thornbury Primary School Aboriginal Artwork
Location: Thornbury Primary School, 1 Murray Street, Thornbury
Map of Street Art Locations:
Photos:
Web Links
→ Reconciliation Fountain at St Marys Thornbury
→ Fairfield Industrial Dog Object
→ www.darebinarts.com.au
→ Darebin Public Artworks Discovery Map (PDF)
