A new public artwork featuring Canberra’s most popular native species has been unveiled in Haig Park by Eggpicnic, the Canberra design studio devoted to wildlife conservation.
The new piece – funded by a City Renewal Authority Placemaking Grant – saw more than 350 community members vote for the reptiles, insects, marsupials and birds they wanted to adorn an existing storage container in the park.
Eggpicnic founders and artists Camila De Gregorio and Christopher Macaluso said this collaborative process has helped create an artwork that will resonate with Canberrans.
“People have a strong connection with animals and nature, and – in customising this artwork with the community – we are reinforcing that connection,” Camila said.
“We believe this will become a landmark in Haig Park that provides a space for people to gather, share stories and realise how much joy nature brings us.
“It is our hope that this artwork encourages people to become advocates for these native species and how we can support them.”
And what native species were the most highly voted?
Camila said that, while the gang-gang cockatoo, superb fairy-wren we and magpie were voted most popular, the artwork will feature many more local favourites.
An augmented reality element will also be unveiled over the coming week, allowing people to use their smartphones to engage with the artwork in a different medium.
Image: the storage container prior to Eggpicnic's new artwork.
City Renewal Authority acting Deputy CEO Jen Ramsay said that Eggpicnic’s artwork shows how the Placemaking Grants are helping to bring culture and art to the everyday lives of locals and visitors.
“The Placemaking Grant program is about shaping the identity of our City Centre and creating novel and exciting experiences for people,” Ms Ramsay said.
“So, it has been wonderful to observe passers by taking delight in this new artwork in Haig Park.
“It follows numerous pop-up events and installations that have taken place this year this year, helping to impact people’s lives and enrich our City Centre’s public spaces.”
FY22-23 Placemaking Grant program highlights:
What’s coming up in 2023-24?
We recently announced the FY2023-24 Placemaking Grant recipients.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with their activities.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
