Sculpture project sets arts policy on sail

Tenterfield’s Public Art Policy, due to be adopted this month, will be the first step in developing a town sculpture walk.

Community groups – Tenter-field Wintersong, Borderline Arts and the Naturalists are keen to see the policy introduced, so the next stage of their “Instrumental Sculpture Program” can get underway. This arts-funded project in-cludes the construction of the much awaited Flood Piano Sculpture – which, according to latest plans, will take the form of a boat.

“With a new design on the drawing board, it should be clear sailing for the construction once the Arts Policy is approved,” says project partner Jane I’Ons.

Councillor representatives and Shire staff have indicated strong support for the artist initiated program and arts tourism projects generally.

Sculpture Program partners believe there will be little opposition, if any, to the new Arts Policy, especially given the high level of input at the recent “Ideas Forum” they hosted at the Tenterfield Railway Museum late last year.

“That platform proved extremely positive, with some of the resulting recommendations being added to the Draft Arts Policy,” Mrs I’Ons said.

Ambitions for a town sculpture walk have also been advanced, with the donation of two sculptures being donated from the late artist, Chris Humphrey’s Estate. “Hopefully by next month it should be a matter of putting the new arts policy into action, and start placing the artworks in the park,” a Wintersong spokesperson said.

Tenterfield Wintersong received a $2000 grant through Regional Arts North West, Country Arts Support Program in 2012 to undertake the “Instru-mental Sculpture (Flood Piano) Project.” Organisers wish to acknowledge the major project sponsor DTB Steel Fabricators for their valuable contribution, which will be more fully appreciated once the new Piano Boat sculpture takes shape.