PAINTING the Murray Street underpass will require discussions with the owner, John Holland, and lots of engagement from locals, according to Tamworth Regional Council.
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The council has responded to the huge interest from locals about sprucing up the blank concrete walls, and said it "welcomes the discussions, interest and engagement from the community in regard to public art and new opportunities for our region".
"The underpass location at Murray Street in East Tamworth has been identified as a potential site for public art by the council as part of its regional public art planning," a spokesperson said.
"Council has had initial discussions regarding the feasibility of potential public art at the Murray Street underpass location and has previously met with a potential artist."
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It comes after Tamworth man Pat Burrows posed the idea in the 'Tamworth; who, what, when, where, how' Facebook group, and received many positive responses from locals.
But the spokesperson said the proposed wall location was owned by John Holland, and discussions regarding the location would "require consultation with the owner and details regarding road closures, resources and community consultation".
"An artwork of this significance would require expressions of interest and considerable community consultation," the spokesperson said.
"Council will continue to explore this location and its feasibility for a potential public art mural."
According to the spokesperson, the council "already has multiple public art projects planned for 2021 and is always considering new opportunities as they emerge".
"All public art installations in the region must fit with the Public Art Engagement Strategy which ensures that public art fits with the expression of community values and sense of collective identity and pride," the spokesperson said on Tuesday.
"It can tell stories and histories and connect people to place. More can be found at https://www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/live/arts-and-culture/public-art."