The Darwin Waterfront Precinct has been transformed into a Tropical Takeover art exhibition.
Artworks across the precinct are on display for one month commencing today (19 October 2017 to 19 November 2017).
The grand scale pop-up art trail around the precinct includes shopfronts, walkways, hotel foyers and outdoor eateries.
“The Darwin Waterfront’s Tropical Takeover is a an unmissable visual experience, with tropical jungle walkways, unexpectedly colourful trees and large scale installations over 10 locations at the Darwin Waterfront and Stokes Hill Wharf,” Shae Fisher, General Manager of Tactile Arts said.
“Tactile Arts had a vision to create an engaging community project open to all. It's a really great feeling to be able to engage Darwin creatives from all age groups and skill levels to work on something that the whole community can enjoy.”
“Participants of the artists’ takeover include schools, collaborators as well as individual artists.”
“One of Darwin’s defining qualities is that it’s a tropical city, so we decided to make the artists’ takeover a celebration of that, with colourful botanical and animal inspired installations that would then become a giant arts trail, creating the Tropical Takeover.”
“Getting art out of the gallery is one of my favourite things. It’s wonderful to be able to appreciate the effect of placement of art in the built environment. There's a certain connectedness that happens when artwork is paired well with its surroundings, which affects the buildings as much as the art.”
“The Waterfront is also a very accessible destination, well utilised by people of all ages. We hope that the additional interest in the Tropical Takeover will mean greater exposure for the artists, a boost in trade for the Waterfront businesses and much entertainment for the visiting public.”
The Tropical Takeover art exhibition will coincide with the Darwin Street Art Festival which runs from 19 to 29 October 2017.
“Large scale artworks scattered throughout the CBD has been part of the NT Government’s vision to revitalise Darwin’s CBD, and it’s exciting to have the launch of the Tropical Takeover exhibition align with the CBD street arts trail”, Local Member for Port Darwin, Paul Kirby said.
“Connectivity between the CBD and the Darwin Waterfront is a priority for government, and the two initiatives working side by side give patrons a reason to wander and explore both areas.”
“The art installations provide city visitors with unique and pleasant surprises when they stumble across artworks unexpectedly during their travels. You can’t help but stop for a second and appreciate the time and effort the artist has taken to create the piece for the public’s enjoyment. There’s no doubt that the artwork is engaging more people than it would in a gallery.”
Visitors to the Darwin Waterfront can vote for the People’s Choice Award which will put artists in the running to win one of the major sponsor prizes.
Patrons can pick up a copy of the Tropical Takeover booklet, including the arts trail map, from locations around the Darwin Waterfront.
Media contact: Paola McCarthy, Events and Marketing Manager, 0437 621 433