Wimmera Mallee News, Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times
Creativity within the silo world will take a new twist in Rainbow’s addition to the Silo Art Trail.
Contractors are preparing to start construction of the Llew Schilling Silo Tourism Development within the next week or so.
However, this innovative project will offer much more than one large-scale painting on the outside of a silo, according to Hindmarsh Shire CEO Monica Revell.
Making it an exception on the popular trail, alongside the usual exterior artwork, the site will also feature an internal mural in one of the silo bins.
Council has put out a call across Australia for proposals from artists interested in working on either surface of the silo.
“The project is advertised locally and via leading industry medium Artshub.com.au, which features opportunities across Australia for artists to deliver their vision,” Mrs Revell said.
“The expression of interest seeks submissions from suitably experienced artists to outline their ideas.
“An evaluation process will be undertaken to create a shortlist of artists, who will be invited to complete their formal submission for artistic development of the silo.”
Mrs Revell said that given the unique opportunity for both internal and external art activation, council expected interest in the project to be high.
“Viewing of the internal art will be made possible with the installation of a large tower adjacent to the 100-year-old silo,” Mrs Revell said.
“The tower – featuring a stairway and an elevator – will link to a viewing platform, approximately 24 metres above the ground which will lead visitors to a balcony within the upper reaches of the silo bin.
“A second viewing balcony will provide views from below, approximately five metres from the ground.”
Builder, Onley Holdings Pty Ltd is scheduled to have subcontractors on site before the end of this month, to begin laying the foundations of the new tower.
“Fabrication of the tower is also about to commence,” Mrs Revell said.
“Specialist fabricators will put the final touches to design in Ballarat, where the tower will be manufactured, before it is transported to the site in early 2025.
“The tower will then be erected, with lift installation and platforms to follow.”
Mrs Revell described the project as, “a bold step forward in the evolution of the region’s iconic Silo Art Trail, offering a new perspective on the art experience”.
“The addition of the viewing tower will not only enhance visitor experience, but also showcase the creative vision of artists from across Australia,” she said.
“This is a truly innovative project that will provide lasting benefits for our community and attract even more visitors to the Wimmera Mallee region.”
Any artist interested in working either inside or outside the silo has until December 12, to submit their proposal.
Full details of the tender are on Hindmarsh Shire’s website.
This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 4 December 2024.
