Winning Best Landmark Sculpture at the 2021 Australian Street Art Awards
Whyalla City Council, Media Release, 9 March 2022
Whyalla officially has the Best Landmark Sculpture in Australia. The Accessible Cuttlefish Throne received the Gold Award for the Best Landmark Sculpture at the 2021 Australian Street Art Awards, announced from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast on the weekend.
Whyalla’s inclusive cuttlefish throne, affectionately known as Craig, was created by artist Karen Carr (AKA Squashed Cocky). Working with the Whyalla community to celebrate the city’s marine ecosystem, Karen designed an installation that honours our world-famous Giant Cuttlefish aggregation, while also making a space for people with all abilities.
In commenting on the Whyalla City Council’s Gold Award win, the judges said that the sculpture was a functional piece that also honoured a spectacular local marine species and had been designed with accessibility in mind, making it a winning combination.
“The fact that local volunteers pulled together to work with the artist is evidence of the degree of pride that Whyalla residents have for their Eyre Peninsula home,” the judges said.
“We love that this effigy of a giant cuttlefish has also been given an ordinary name, Craig, signalling the protective feelings that the community obviously has for these majestic marine beauties.”
Whyalla City Council Cultural Facilitator Deb Hughes said it was fantastic to have Cuttlefish Craig bring home the gold award.
“Craig really is an incredible work and the journey to his creation was something that the community should be proud of. There were many hours of work put in to support this project. Nine full days of workshops with well over 40 people contributing to the outcome and construction.” Deb said.
Mayor Clare McLaughlin said she was beyond proud that the functional artwork created by the community and the incredibly talented Karen Carr had been awarded the national award.
“We know that the community and visitors to our town love Craig. The artwork highlights the importance of looking after our marine environment and pays homage to our most beloved tourist attraction.” Mayor McLaughlin said.
