The City of Onkaparinga is reviewing its approach to public art and the council wants to hear from you.
Public art can bring character, vibrancy and identity to shared spaces. It can also spark strong and differing opinions.
That’s why the council is reviewing how public art is planned, delivered, and cared for into the future.
This conversation is not about one artwork – it’s about the council’s overall approach.
What do they mean by public art?
Public art is more than large sculptures in outdoor spaces. Across Onkaparinga, it includes a wide range of creative works you see every day, such as:
- painted Stobie poles
- murals
- pavement inlays and mosaics
- street furniture like seating or shelters
- major commissioned sculptures.
Some artworks are created as part of major upgrades, while others are community-led projects developed with local artists, schools, or neighbourhood groups.
How big is Onkaparinga’s public art collection?
Onkaparinga’s public art collection has grown over many decades.
Following a comprehensive Public Art Audit in 2022–23, the council identified 235 individual public art assets, some dating back to the 1960s. Since then, more than 15 new artworks have been installed across the city.
Over the past 12 years, public art has increasingly been incorporated into streetscape upgrades, redevelopment projects, and community initiatives.
Managing this diverse collection is a shared responsibility across several council teams, from planning and installation through to ongoing maintenance.
Why is the council reviewing public art now?
In 2021, Council approved the Arts and Cultural Development Action Plan 2022–25, which identified the need to:
“Review the Public Art Framework to investigate efficiencies, opportunities, demands and capacity challenges and develop a strategic approach for project hierarchy.”
To deliver on this action, the council is seeking community feedback to help shape a new Public Art Policy.
This review will help guide how public art is planned, delivered, and maintained into the future.
You can provide your feedback until Sunday 1 March by completing a survey at the council’s Your Say page, attending a community drop-in session at Noarlunga Library on Thursday 19 February, or by email or post.
Key things the council wants to know are:
- whether public art adds value to your public spaces
- the types of public art that adds the most value
- anything else you’d like to tell the council about public art.
Following the engagement, the council will share what it heard on Your Say page. Draft documents outlining the council’s approach to public art will then be developed and shared for feedback later this year. Hit the follow button on the Your Say page to receive email updates.