The Creative hoardings pilot program has been developed to enhance the City Centre's visual appeal, support emerging artists, and maintain public safety.
By transforming construction hoardings into art displays, the program connects artists with the community and revitalises vacant properties.
In doing so, it promotes local artists, prevents graffiti, and beautifies the City Centre.
Our goal is to improve urban appeal, support local businesses and educate and entertain the community.
In the lead up to the Creative Hoardings pilot program, construction fences in Garema Place have been decorated with historical imagery of the area’s development.
We are seeking expressions of interest from artists and designers who would like to contribute artworks to our creative hoardings pilot program.
Artists and designers can submit an expression of interest until 2pm, Tuesday 14 May 2024.
A small number of artists and designers who submit an expression of interest will be selected and paid to provide artworks for the trial program.
Selected artists and designers will have 30 days to provide artwork which adhere to the Hoarding Design Guide.
Expressions of interest must be completed through the ACT Government’s SmartyGrants website: actgovt.smartygrants.com.au/creativehoardings
In the lead up to the Creative Hoardings Pilot Program, construction fences in Garema Place will be decorated with historical imagery of the area’s development.
Year | Description | With Help from: |
1925 | Temporary platform, Civic. A snapshot of Canberra's early urban framework, awaiting its future as the heart of the city. Licenced from the Canberra & District Historical Society. Reference No. 16581 | Canberra and District Historical Society |
1950 | 1950: Road to Garema Place - This photograph offers a nostalgic view of the once car accessible Garema Place. Lined with iconic 1950s automobiles and a parade of local businesses, a testament to Canberra's thriving post-war commerce. Courtesy of the Canberra & District Historical Society. Reference | Canberra and District Historical Society |
1952 | Garema Place Under Construction. A snapshot of progress, this image captures Garema Place in the throes of development, foretelling its future as a central hub of Canberra's Civic Centre. From the Department of Capital Territory Collection. Courtesy of the ACT Heritage Library Reference: 9475A11. | ACT Government | Libraries |
1963 | Garema Place and Braddon flats. A view of the quaint shops in Garema Place with the Braddon flats rising in the background, encapsulating the suburban expansion. From the collection of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Central Office. Courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. Reference | National Archives of Australia |
1970 | Garema Place, a window into the evolving landscape of Canberra during the mid-20th century. From the collection of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Central Office. Courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. Reference No. 11719886. | National Archives of Australia |
1970 | Lunch hour. A candid capture of a young boy stretching to get a drink. Licenced from the Canberra Times Collection. Courtesy of the ACT Heritage Library. Reference No. 000745. | ACT Government | Libraries |
1980 | The pedestrianisation of Garema Place moving award from Cars. Courtesy of Archives ACT. Reference No. ACT3-3153 | Archives ACT |
1974 | Gus Petersilka at his coffee shop. A moment frozen in time, Mr. Gus Petersilka stands before his establishment, a testament to his role in Canberra's café culture. From the Canberra Times Collection. Courtesy of the ACT Heritage Library. Reference No. 000261. | ACT Government | Libraries |
1974 | Gus's outdoor area. The lively outdoor dining space at Gus's Coffee Shop, an image framed by the controversy of its nonconforming structure, inviting discussions on urban planning and community spaces. From the Canberra Times Collection. Courtesy of ACT Heritage Library. Reference No. 000096. | ACT Government | Libraries |
1980 | Locked Out. Sheriff's officers lock the doors to Gus Petersilka's coffee shop. From the Canberra Times Collection. Courtesy of ACT Heritage Library. Reference No. 007532 | ACT Government | Libraries |
1994 | The little emperor. A final note from Faquharson, celebrating the story of Gus Petersilka, whose spirit and dedication left an indelible mark on Canberra's heart. From the Canberra Times Collection. Licenced from The National Library of Australia. Reference. (ACT: 1994), 2 October, p.21. | National Library of Australia. |
1980 | Music at Large in Garema Place, Civic. Captured by Michael Porter, this vibrant scene from the 1980s echoes with the energy of live music and community gatherings in the heart of Canberra. From the Canberra Times Collection. Courtesy of the ACT Heritage Library. Reference No. 000230. | ACT Government | Libraries |
1980 | Of pigeons and children. Jennifer Castle of Macquarie and her two daughters feeding the pigeons in Garema Place, encapsulating the space's role as a community hub. From the Canberra Times Collection. Courtesy of the ACT Heritage Library. Reference No. 00232. | ACT Government | Libraries |
1982 | Voices of celebration. Commemorating International Women's Day, women are captured applauding during a rally in Garema Place. A testament to the city's vibrant community spirit and advocacy. From the Canberra Times Collection. Courtesy of the ACT Heritage Library. Reference No. 006806. | ACT Government | Libraries |
1983 | Mardi Gras festivities. Families dance and celebrate in Garema Place, embracing the joyous atmosphere of the Canberra Festival Mardi Gras celebrations, a reflection of Canberra’s cultural and social vitality. From the Canberra Times Collection. Courtesy of the ACT Heritage Library. Reference No. 000084. | ACT Government | Libraries |
1986 | Festival flora. A scene from Canberra's festivities, showcasing the integration of nature and celebration with an array of plants, awaiting further details to complete the story. Courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. Reference No. 117204920 | National Archives of Australia |
1987 | Diners take over Garema. A lively scene where diners fill Garema Place in a massive showing of outdoor dining popularity. From the Office of the Surveyor General photographic collection. Courtesy of Archives ACT. Reference No. ACT3-6324. | Archives ACT |
1987 | Knight handplants on C1. The Garema Place chess board was once a pit and a stage for skateboarders. From the Office of the Surveyor General photographic collection. Courtesy of Archives ACT. Reference No. ACT3-4034. | Archives ACT |
1987 | Sax of soul. The soulful ambiance of the Jazz Festival permeates Garema Place, showcasing Canberra's rich musical landscape. Courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. Reference No. 11747490 | National Archives of Australia |
1992 | Closing chapter at Develin's Chemist. The front of Develin's Chemist in Garema Place, captured during its closing down sale. The passing of time is echoed by the young person walking by and the poignant message on the sandwich boards. Licenced from the Canberra and District Historical Society. Reference | Canberra and District Historical Society |
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.