Australia's biggest celebration of Spring, Floriade, is underway and the ACT Government is encouraging locals and visitors to see more of Canberra through the release of a special Canberra City Public Art Walking Trail.
Across the territory, more than 150 artworks help tell Canberra's story reflecting its history, culture, and ongoing transformation. The Canberra City Public Art Walking Trail showcases a selection of these works and offers a unique way to explore the city's evolving character.
"Public art plays a central role in reflecting our community's values and inspires us with new stories and experiences. Pairing the public art trail with your Floriade visit is an excellent way to experience Canberra's vibrant culture and history," said Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries, Michael Pettersson.
This self-paced art walking trail features three possible routes of varying duration and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Visit some of Canberra's best-known public artworks such as Ethos in Civic Square, the city's first commissioned public artwork created in 1961 by sculptor Tom Bass, and the 2001 aluminium sculpture Ainslie's Sheep by Les Kossatz whose playful nod to Canberra's pastoral roots offers a satirical take on the city's rural past.
In addition to these well-known artworks is Glorious Wally, designed by Andres Saita (Dionysus) and fabricated by Ironbark Metal Design, an eye-catching addition to City Walk next to the Petrie Plaza merry-go-round. This larger-than-life sculpture depicts the ACT floral emblem the Royal Bluebell known scientifically as wahlenbergia gloriosa from where it gets its playful name. This perfect companion to the public art trail and Floriade is an opportunity for even long-term Canberra residents to discover something new.
Moving away from the city centre, artsACT has also published a Tuggeranong Public Art guide, which includes a version for even the youngest of budding artists. Both versions feature the stunning Japanese Granite Dream Lens for the Future by Oushi Zokei, carved from a single piece of stone. The work was relocated to the Lake Tuggeranong foreshore earlier this year and is best viewed in the early morning light.
Pick up your copy of the Canberra City Public Art Walking Trail map from the Visitor's Information Centre or find it alongside the Tuggeranong Trail online at www.arts.act.gov.au/public-art.
