State grant for Lake Macquarie foreshore 'art trail'

Seven artists will be employed to design and manufacture installations for the area’s coast. 

“This work will help to create new and exciting experiences in Lake Macquarie for locals and visitors, and also support the creation of a new full-time position at Council supporting professional cultural development,” Mr Piper said.

“Artworks are planned for sites at Toronto, Warners Bay, Speers Point, Croudace Bay and Belmont North, so it’s a great project for the whole area.”

Lake Macquarie City Council said it would commission nationally and internationally renowned artists to create highly-visible works along a trail that would suit drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. 

The new trail will start at Belmont, with the first sites for construction expected to be at Warners Bay’s foreshore and Speers Point Park. The trail is aimed at complementing the existing sculpture park outside the art gallery. 

Manager Cultural Services Jacqui Hemsley said the council project would have many social, cultural and tourism benefits for the city.

“The council recognises that high-quality open spaces can be given added value through the innovative integration of art, to assist the community to develop a sense of identity, place and pride,” Ms Hemsley said.

“The incorporation of art works in public open spaces within high visitation areas can encourage a sense of ownership by locals, improve the city's profile and also have the potential to create a positive economic impact.

“We expect this trail to become a popular tourist attraction in the same way that installations such as Bondi’s Sculpture by the Sea, the Orchid Art Trail in Singapore or Moreton Bay’s Redcliffe Foreshore Public Art Trail have enhanced the destination profile and visitation rates of those places.”