Connecting communities through art
From colourful murals to artworks and sculptures, Stockland is using its public art strategy to breathe life into public spaces and act as a connector between people and places at its retail town centres.
Stockland believes public art is more than just an aesthetic addition to its community spaces - it's a way of celebrating diverse cultures, fostering inclusivity, and holding up a mirror to its customers so they recognise themselves within the communities they operate.
A local lens
Throughout the art commissioning process, Stockland collaborates with councils and not-for-profit organisations to ensure that artworks draw on local perspectives and knowledge, and, where possible, select local artists to lead or be part of the creative execution.
At Stockland Rockhampton, artist Shannon Crees from northern New South Wales worked alongside and mentored local Rockhampton artist Caitlin Broderick to create murals for the external walls, an entry point, and the dining and entertainment precinct at the retail town centre.
The main mural, which is about 65 metres long and 7 metres high, features some of Australia’s most cherished flora and fauna.
At Stockland Wendouree, local artists Stephanie Cartledge and Justine McAllister created a 20-metre-long mural titled ‘Bush Blooms’ at the regional retail town centre in Ballarat, Victoria.
“Leaving our mark on the city where we were born and raised has been an unforgettable experience. Mural art should resonate with its surroundings and be site-specific, so by understanding the unique character of the area, we created a piece that not only enhances the physical space but also fosters a sense of connection and belonging for visitors to the centre,” Ms Cartledge and Ms McAllister said.
A unique partnership
Stockland has also partnered with Studio A, a well-known arts organisation that supports artists with intellectual disabilities.
The company’s retail town centres proudly feature Studio A artworks on hoarding with annual changes facilitated through a license agreement.
The collaboration allows Stockland to promote the talent of Studio A’s artists to its customers using the hoarding that is regularly installed for centre redevelopments and upgrades as well as vacant spaces before they are filled.
Meaningful Indigenous Engagement
Stockland’s Public Art Strategy has allowed the company to extend its commitment to the objectives of its First Nations Strategy and actions of its Reconciliation Action Plan by providing platforms for meaningful engagement, deep storytelling, Designing for Country, and Indigenous procurement.
At Stockland Point Cook, the company collaborated with longstanding community partner CoLocal and artists Fiona Clarke and Kenneth McKean to create a 50-metre-long road mural, The Point Cook Rainbow Serpent.
The mural was a group effort with the local community and the artists painting the artwork across nearly 400 hours. The artists chose the Rainbow Serpent for its strong connection to the Aboriginal community, while the many colours used represent the diversity of the Point Cook community.
The beautiful artwork has given Stockland the opportunity to embrace the varied and rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and create a vibrant and engaging space for the community to come together and enjoy.
The Rainbow Serpent mural at Stockland Point Cook