To mark the opening of Bendigo Art Gallery's Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary, the City of Greater Bendigo has commissioned a series of themed public art activations in the city centre and Heathcote to celebrate the iconic designer and the sixties era.
Artist Bjarni Wark (aka Happy Decay) has created a Mary Quant-inspired mural at the Piazza in Rosalind Park. Using vivid and bold colours, the large circular artwork on the paving captures patterns associated with the sixties and pays homage to Mary Quant, including her geometric and dot fashion favourites and popular cosmetic range.
The artist will also apply a similar theme for a colourful street art design immediately outside of the Heathcote Visitor Centre using the semi-circular shaped paved area as the canvas.
Local street art collective Nacho Station, led by Reece Hendy, has collaborated with local artists who will develop a series of art activations, to be rolled out over the coming weeks to complement the exhibition.
People will be able to take a variety of fun selfies at the Dai Gum San precinct, Lyttleton Terrace and Hargreaves Mall.
Mayor Cr Jen Alden said this was an exciting time for the region as it prepares to welcome more visitors, keen to see this prestigious exhibition.
"It was Victoria and Albert Museum's most popular fashion exhibition in London so we anticipate that this will be another blockbuster for the Gallery and great news for Greater Bendigo." Cr Alden said.
"These new bold and vibrant artworks further invigorate the vibrancy of our public spaces and aim to entice Gallery visitors to stay longer, shop, dine and make the most of their trip here.
"With different public art activations emerging at various locations and plenty of selfie-spots for people to enjoy and share, this will be a great way to market Greater Bendigo and a must-see exhibition.
"It comes at an important time in our recovery to promote our region and support our local business community after a very challenging 2020."
The City has also developed other Quant-themed initiatives in the city centre. Colours and trends of that decade have inspired a range of colourful flower box displays that have been installed along View Street.
A large macramé display covering the outside of the Hargreaves Mall Bus Stop, facing Mitchell Street, has been created by the Slow Art Collective. A traditional British red telephone box will also be installed in the Mall today.
The Bendigo Visitor Centre will feature a sixties-inspired façade for selfie spots next week. Visitors going into the centre are invited to take pictures with full-sized cardboard cut-out figures wearing retro clothing.
Butterfly Kisses pop art installation is on display at The Conservatory in Rosalind Park until March 26. The Post Office Gallery will open its exhibition Modern Revolution: Bendigo and the 1960s in early April.
The City is working closely with Bendigo Tourism and many members are celebrating the arrival of the exhibition with themed menus, fashion, accessories, desserts, cocktails and sixties-styled attractions and experiences.
Other public events being planned include a classic Citroën Car Show and music sessions.
