1. VIRGINIA WILSON ART
Virginia Wilson Art takes an extremely site-specific, client-oriented approach to each
project undertaken. A core process is applied to each new assignment, guaranteeing
consistency in procedure, excellence in delivery and full accountability.
PUBLIC ART
Increasingly councils around Australia require a public art plan to be provided with
a DA submission for a large scale development. The earlier it is taken into consideration,
the more efficiently it can be achieved with better results and cost benefits to the client.
DESIGN COMPETITIONS
Virginia can advise on the public art component within masterplan and design competitions,
providing considered and innovative concepts that give submissions an advantage over
other proposals.
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METHODOLOGY
A thorough, fit-for-purpose process is adapted to each client’s specific needs.
CONCEPT
Virginia leads a series of discussions with the client to ensure the alignment of the public
art with the desired site presentation and plan. Cultural and/or historical markers of the
site, the objectives and the urban transformation which the site represents and the ambition
of the project are thoroughly articulated in order to develop a robust, meaningful brief
to which the short-listed artists can respond.
Virginia provides a reverse brief with schematic costings, the timeframe and curatorial
brief for the artists. The recommended budget covers concept fees, artist fee, fabrication
and installation costs, engineering and art consultant fees.
LOCATION
In conjunction with all stakeholders – clients, architects, landscape architects and designers
– opportunities for public art are identified across the site. This includes any location within
the development or perhaps within or upon the buildings themselves. Best options are
presented to council for approval, where required.
ARTISTS
A list of artists is presented to the stakeholders. They are selected on the basis of
previous work and compatibility with the specific development and its tenants and other
end users. We encourage artists who have not previously developed public art concepts
to participate; with appropriate guidance, we find they often devise new, captivating and
buzz-generating work.
Artists are always encouraged to work closely with the site architects, landscape architects
and designers to create a bespoke work that acts and is perceived as an integral component
of the built environment. We strive at all times to eliminate any sense of an artwork being
an afterthought commissioned merely to meet council requirements.
From this list up to five artists are invited to provide a concept. To streamline the creation
process, the artists receive comprehensive plans, elevations and renderings, engineering
advice and site visits are arranged.
ASSESSMENT
The concepts are reviewed based on the approved brief and criteria and the approved
artist commissioned to deliver the public art work.
FABRICATION
The fabrication process includes:
design development
documentation
prototype and prototype review
lighting design and review
fabrication
installation
operational and maintenance manual
CONTRACTS
Virginia Wilson can provide a draft consultancy agreement and artist agreement
for use by the client.
ENGINEERING
Virginia Wilson works closely with Event Engineering to enable artists realise their concepts
and vision. We are able to tap into experienced fabricators and specialists both in Australia
and overseas including factories in China where we have a representative. Each project
is unique and we provide expert advice and manage the process of fabrication on a case
by case basis, balancing the constraints of quality, time and budget.
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Previous public art projects include:
- Parramatta Justice Precinct for the Attorney General’s Department
- Deutsche Bank offices, Sydney
- State Bank Building, 420 George Street, Sydney
- Transgrid Offices, Ultimo
- 180 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
- Proximity, Albert Park Melbourne
- 360 Collins Street, Melbourne
- The Quay, Ultimo
- Student accommodation, Ultimo
- Student accommodation, City Road, Sydney
- Ryde Gardens, Ryde
- 130 Elizabeth Street Sydney
Lucas Grogan
Waterfall (detail)
6. 6
Jamie North
A Newer Gold Mountain, 2012
concrete, vermiculite, steel, plants indigenous to Melbourne.
70 Queens Road, Albert Park, Melbourne
architect: Bates Smart
timeline & budget: 18 months, $150,000
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Gary Carsley
Pharmacopeia of the Burramatta, 2007
digital print on aluminium
The Justice Building, Parramatta
architect: Bates Smart
photograph: Tyrone Branigan
timeline & budget: 14 months, $160,000
