In a six-month, two-stage community engagement project, Eyes on Art, Tamworth Regional Council will ask residents across the region what they think about the area’s public art.

Tamworth Regional Gallery director Bridget Guthrie said the first step was to launch an online survey, which asks residents for their opinion on how the Tamworth region rates when it comes to public art.

Public art can be outdoor multimedia and projections, statues, sculptures, murals, street furniture and landscaping.

The survey asks 11 questions to determine what community members think the region should have more or less examples of; why there is a need for public art, and whether some types of public art are more inspiring than others. 

Survey respondents are also asked whether they would like to attend a public art workshop.

“I’ve gleaned that the Tamworth region is a great place for public murals, monuments, memorials and the like, but there’s not much indigenous or youth representation,” Ms Guthrie said. 

“These are gaps that we can target and address. Having public art gives the community a sense of ownership. There are some fantastic examples of public murals that completely engage the community, but we want to know what else people would like to see in public and where. 

“The council’s John Sommerlad is keen to see rubbish bins transformed into music boxes, like they have in Nashville, with a different country artist featured and their music playing out of each one.”

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Cr Juanita Wilson said she’s been trying to get a Vivid Festival-style event to the Tamworth region, where images were projected onto public buildings.

“We could have something really special for when the Christmas tree lights are turned on, or during the country music festival,” Cr Wilson said.

“The possibilities are endless. Art really adds to the soul of a place and changes the way we interact with one another.” 

The draft public art policy is now available for viewing and comment on council’s website, with printed copies available at customer service centres in Barraba, Manilla, Nundle and Tamworth as well as all local libraries.

Stage two of the project is the development of the Tamworth region public art strategy, which will be formulated once the public puts its ideas forward to the council.

“Once we have reviewed the community feedback and made any changes to the draft policy, council will consider a report seeking its formal adoption and then work will start on putting together a public art strategy,” Ms Guthrie said.

“This will be an extensive process over some months where the community will have the chance to attend information sessions, take part in workshops and see displays at venues across the region to find out more about public art.” 

Written comments can be made until 5pm on Friday, September 18 by sending an email to trc@tamworth.nsw.gov.au or mailing a letter addressed to The general manager, Tamworth Regional Council, PO Box 555, Tamworth 2340.