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:
The 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: Cnr Kelvin Grove and Gower Street, Preston (Map: 18 Ref: G12)
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.
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: Cnr High Street and Bruce Street, Preston (Map: 18 Ref: G12)
Cnr High Street and Bruce Street Mural
Location: Cnr High Street and Bruce Street (Map: 18 Ref: G12)
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 (Map: 19 Ref: A10)
Bill Shorten Mural
Building is due to be sold and the mural probably will be demolished.
Location: 176 High Street, Preston (Map: 30 Ref: G1)
Nino Early Learning Adventures Mural by D. Arena (2018)
Location: 365 Bell St, Preston (Map: 30 Ref: F1)
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 (Map: 30 Ref: E2)
Lebanese Immigrant Memorial
Location: Ray Bramham Gardens, 50 St Georges Street, Preston (Map: 30 Ref: E2)
Clifton Grove Murals by Hayden Dewar
Location: 1 Clifton Grove, Preston (Map: 30 Ref: G1)
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 (Map: 30 Ref: F5)
Clapham Street RIP Elli G Mural
Location: Cnr Clapham Street and Hutton Street, Thornbury (Map: 30 Ref: F4)
Womens Health in the North Mural by Lucy Lucy
Location: 680 High Street, Thornbury (Map: 30 Ref: F5)
The Wanderers Mural by Tom Civil (2014)
Location: Cnr High Street and Raleigh Street, Thornbury (Map: 30 Ref: F5)
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 (Map: 30 Ref: F4)
Son of a Pizzaiolo Pinocchio Mural
Location: 794 High Street, Thornbury (Map: 30 Ref: F4)
Greek Street Food Sign
Location: 794 High Street, Thornbury (Map: 30 Ref: F4)
Cnr High and Blythe Street Mural by Heesco and other artists
Location: Cnr High and Blythe Street, Thornbury (Map: 30 Ref: F4)
Cnr High and Smith Street Mural by Cam Scale (2015)
Location: Cnr High and Smith Street, Thornbury (Map: 30 Ref: F5)
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.
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.
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) (Map: 30 Ref: G7)
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) (Map: 30 Ref: G7)
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) (Map: 30 Ref: G8)
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 (Map: 30 Ref: G7)
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 (Map: 30 Ref: G7)
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 (Map: 30 Ref: G7)
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 (Map: 30 Ref: G7)
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 (Map: 30 Ref: G8)
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 (Map: 30 Ref: G8)
Northcote Plaza Veterinary Clinic Artwork
Location: 43 Dennis Street, Northcote (Map: 30 Ref: G7)
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 (Map: 30 Ref: E11)
Cnr High and Westgarth Street Toilets
Location: Cnr High and Westgarth Street, Northcote (Map: 30 Ref: E11)
Cnr High and Westgarth Street Vic Roads Box
Location: Cnr High and Westgarth Street, Northcote (Map: 30 Ref: E11)
Northcote Exchange Mural by Dvate (2016) and Putos
Location: Cnr High Street and Bayview Street, Northcote (Map: 30 Ref: E10)
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 (Map: 30 Ref: F10)
Helen Street Building Artwork
Location: 109 Helen Street, Northcote (Map: 30 Ref: E8)
Helen Street Snake Mural
Location: Cnr Helen Street and Claude Street, Northcote (Map: 30 Ref: E8)
Keith Haring Tribute Mural
Location: Cnr Helen Street and Arthurton Road, Northcote (Map: 30 Ref: E8)
Little Eastment Street Carpark Murals
Location: Little Eastment Street, Northcote (Map: 30 Ref: E8)
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.
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 (Map: 30 Ref: 11)
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
Northcote Civic Square Artwork
Location: Northcote Town Hall, 195 High 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 (Map: 30 Ref: F8)
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.
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 (Map: 30 Ref: E8)
Fairfield Area
Fairfield Industrial Dog Object (FIDO) 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 (Map: 30 Ref: K10)
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 façade of the entrance walkway to the Fairfield Library and Community Centre.
Location: Fairfield Library and Community Centre, 121 Station St, Fairfield (Map: 30 Ref: K10)
Fairfield Library Walkway Inlays
by Caroline Beach, Adam Dettrick, Georgina Lewis (2000)
Stone inlays cut and set into the floor along with found objects at the Fairfield Library and community centre uncover entrance.
Location: Fairfield Library and Community Centre, 121 Station St, Fairfield (Map: 30 Ref: K10)
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 (Map: 30 Ref: K10)
Two Fat Monks Wall Mural
The Two Fat Monks café has now closed but the mural might remain (hopefully)
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.
Smith Street Mural (Alphington) by Lucy Lucy (2018)
Location: 28 Bennett Street, Alphington (east side of property next to Darebin Parklands entrance (Map: 31 Ref: C9)
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 (Map: 19 Ref: G2)
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 (Map: 19 Ref: F4).
The Ramp
Location: Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, 14 Snake Gully Drive, Bundoora (Map: 19 Ref: G2).
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