Bundaberg has another impressive piece of street art today, with a new Tim Phibs mural being completed today at Hinkler Central. And fittingly, it’s of a giant turtle!
The enormous, environmentally themed piece has been commissioned by Hinkler Central as part of the Crush Festival and to welcome to arrival of the endangered loggerhead turtles for their annual nesting and hatching season at Mon Repos, on Bundaberg’s coastline.
Tim Phibs is a renowned Australian visual artist who has been working with aerosol and acrylic exterior paint for the last 25 years. Tim is considered one of the founding figures in the Australian street art movement and is part of Everfresh studio's in Melbourne. Phibs said, “I find street art is a perfect way to engage with young people on topics such as conservation and respect for our environment. I am passionate about creating awareness for sea conservation and I would love to come back to Bundaberg to do more art around environmental issues.”
Shelley Pisani, Director of Creative Regions, who project managed the mural, said “Having an artists of Tim’s international status really puts Bundaberg on the international art map. The fact that he was able to share his skills while he was here with local artists and youth to empower them to further street arts in Bundaberg is really special – this isn’t a fly-in-fly-out project, this is art that comes from and grows the capacity of our community.”
Katherine Reid, General Manager of Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism, said “The new artwork is such an exciting addition to our already vibrant public art in Bundaberg. Locals are proud to live in a community that showcases street art and it makes a region attractive to visitors, as it creates a sense of place and showcases our community spirit.”
“Major cities around the world and small towns around Australia are all growing their public art and people will travel further and stay longer in order to engage with these installations. Tourists want authentic experiences, they want to immerse themselves in the community and take home stories with meaning,” Ms Reid said.
“It is so exciting that major local businesses like Hinkler Central are teaming up with Creative Regions to create something so special for our community,” said Ms Reid.
The mural can be viewed from today at Food Court Carpark, Hinkler Central, 16 Maryborough St, Bundaberg.
The launch of the mural is part of the Crush Festival, a Bundaberg Regional Council event managed by Creative Regions.
Media contact:
Katherine Reid - General Manager | M: 0429 681 770 | E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kaitlyn Harnell - Marketing Manager - Hinkler Central | P: (07) 4152 9888
Image:
Hinkler Central Turtle Mural Launch – Tim Phibs
Artists Tim Phibs launches his turtle mural at Hinkler Central
Hinkler Central Turtle Mural Launch
Artists Tim Phibs launches his turtle mural with representatives from Hinkler Central, Creative Regions, Bundaberg Regional Council, Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism, Queensland Parks and Wildlife, and Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
