Released 04/08/2017
Minister for the Arts Gordon Ramsay today officially launched a community consultation period on a new piece of public art for the Hughes shops, replacing an artwork that was stolen last year.
“As many residents of Hughes and regular visitors to the area will know, sadly last year the much loved Stepping Out (Lady in Pearls) was stolen from the Hughes shops,” Minister Ramsay said.
“It’s not possible for an exact replica of the Lady in Pearls to be created as the original moulds no longer exist so a new public artwork will replace the stolen artwork. We will work closely with an artist to help create the new piece which will be informed by what the community tells us they value and want to celebrate about the suburb of Hughes.
“We want to capture community values and spirit - and throughout the consultation period we will be asking Canberrans to get involved and share with us the characteristics they like about Hughes.
“We know how important high quality public art is. It is the most accessible of the visual arts to be owned and enjoyed by all in our community – which is why it’s essential we seek feedback from the community about how Hughes can be celebrated through public art.”
“One of the local artists who created Stepping Out, Giovanna Ianniello will be involved in the consultation throughout the process. Giovanna will be attending the drop in sessions, and will be available to talk to the community about what they would like the artwork to celebrate.”
You can get involved by completing a short survey or leaving comments at Your Say, or by attending one of the drop-in sessions at the Hughes shops:
Tuesday 22 August, 2pm – 4pm at Hughes shops
Saturday 26 August, 10am – 12 noon at Hughes shops The six week consultation period will end on September 11, following which a summary report of the consultation will be made available via YourSay and artsACT.
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Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases