Civic arts project set to call for artists

By Paul Dunlop
CARDINIA’S civic art project in Pakenham is fast taking shape.
A shortlist of artists has been drawn up for what is to be the first of a number of artworks commissioned by council in conjunction with Delfin Lend Lease.
The Lakeside Pakenham Public Art Program is a $150,000 initiative.
The first project to be commissioned will be outside the entrance to the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
The two projects to follow are outside the new Cardinia LiFE aquatic and recreation centre and the western end of the lake at Lakeside. There is also the possibility of another artwork in Pakenham’s town centre.
Cr Kate Lempriere said planning for the first piece, which will take pride of place at the entrance to the Cardinia Cultural Centre, was well underway.
The Central Ward councillor, who has previously urged residents to get behind the project and ‘open their hearts to the arts’, said there was a high level of support for it in the community.
“I know it’s not everybody’s cup of tea but it is a very important project,” Cr Lempriere said.
Cr Lempriere said a public forum on the project had been well attended.
Four artists have been selected from an initial field of more than 50 interested people — including local, Victorian and interstate interests — to develop proposals for the project.
Cr Lempriere said it was expected the work will be decided by April with the piece to be completed by August.