Call for SA artists to get creative with concrete canvas

If you are a local artist looking for a new challenge away from the canvas, then SA Water’s 28 metre water tower may be just the public art project for you.

Applications are now open for two artists to paint SA Water’s Belair water tower on Sheoak Road and the nearby nine-million litre Eden Hills water storage tank, with support from the Mitcham Council’s local art group to select the successful artists for each site.

SA Water’s General Manager Customers, Strategy and Innovation Anna Jackson said the utility is always looking at ways to make best use of its large assets for the benefit of the community.

“These two tanks provide safe clean drinking water to our customers in Belair and Eden Hills, and while they look impressive in size, we believe they can also be an asset from a public perspective if covered in art,” Anna said.

“With the assistance of the Mitcham Art Advisory Group, we’re wanting to see a range of original designs from artists that are colourful and tell a story of the local area’s history and culture.

“Public art improves amenity of an area and is a significant factor in creating a vibrant community, and we look forward to working together with the successful artists and Mitcham Council.”

A total of $25,000 is available for applicants to paint the concrete structures, with each project to be awarded and completed by mid-2020.

This follows the success of a similar community art project in the Mitcham Council area last year, where 60 litres of paint was used by renowned SA artist Vans the Omega to decorate the historic Torrens Park Pump Station on Goodwood Road.

“The feedback we’ve had from local residents and commuters in Torrens Park since the paint dried on our pump station has been overwhelmingly positive and demonstrates the impact of murals and large-scale public art on creating a vibrant local community,” Anna said.

SA Water supports ideas involving water-related art projects celebrating the people, history or success of the local region on its assets, where it is technically feasible and has local community support and involvement.

Applications are due Monday 16 March and can be completed through the Mitcham Council website.

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