Caption: The Halls Gap Art Wall, installed in 2019, has reached the end of its life. Northern Grampians Shire Council is working with community groups to rehome salvageable parts of the project within Halls Gap.
Northern Grampians Shire Council has resolved that the Halls Gap Art Wall, a temporary artwork that has captivated visitors and locals alike for the past six years, is to be removed.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said the council's decision, at a meeting on Monday, followed complaints about the deterioration of the artwork, which is at the end of its life.
"The artwork was only meant to be temporary and has done well to last six years," she said.
Installed in 2019 and featuring work by talented regional artists, the piece was funded by the council and delivered by the former Halls Gap Tourism.
Cr Hyslop said since its installation, the art wall had served as a significant point of interest in Halls Gap, offering a unique experience that sparked thought, discussion and appreciation of public art.
"The artwork has been fabulous, but with the base panels showing irreparable signs of deterioration, it no longer represents the quality of our local artists or the pride of our township," she said.
"Considerable consultation with the artists and the local community has helped inform the decision to remove the wall."
Cr Hyslop said while community engagement initially revealed support to retain the existing base structure and create a new artwork, further consultation with key groups – including Halls Gap Community Association and Halls Gap Recreation Reserve Committee of Management – provided a different direction.
"Following conversations prompted by council's community engagement regarding the future of the art wall, a sub-committee featuring members of these two groups was formed," she said.
"After discussion, the sub-committee felt that retaining the existing structure would limit opportunities for new artwork and alternative uses of the space, as well as for public art elsewhere in town. They therefore support its removal."
Cr Hyslop said council staff would work with stakeholders to rehome salvageable elements of the art wall, with the aim of giving them a new life at a site within Halls Gap, potentially in a park or garden.
"Rehoming these elements will ensure the spirit and creativity of the original work continues to inspire the community," she said.
"Council is grateful to the artists and community members who contributed to the creation of the Halls Gap Art Wall, which was originally intended as a temporary installation.
"The recent community engagement surrounding the wall's future has revealed some great new arts and culture ideas that are brewing in the community, and council is working to support the enthusiasm and momentum that is currently building in Halls Gap."
Halls Gap Art Wall in its original condition
