“Point’s of View’ - Collin’s Point Ceramic Mural and Up-grading of Captain Cook Monument

Wollongong City Council

Viewing platform and installation

This public artwork was created by Wombarra ceramic artist Michael Keighery in 2008 at Collins Point, a beautiful and significant coastal area, situated on the headland above the Woonona ocean baths. The theme of the artwork focuses on aspects of the indigenous, colonial and contemporary history of the area and tells stories of discovery, local identity and distinctiveness. The site is where Captain Cook first attempted a landing on Australian soil in April 1770.

Through this significant community cultural development project, Keighery researched and developed artwork with local schools, residents and other institutions. The ceramic artworks are installed around the viewing platform. They include images of Captain Cook made up of thousands of portraits of local people as well as historical photographs, paintings by significant Australian artists from the Wollongong City Gallery, early botanical drawings by Joseph Banks, and quotes from James Cook's diaries and stories of local residents.

  • Cultural Officer

    Sue Bessell ()

  • Award Category

    Programs Projects and Partnerships – Division C

Photos

    • Viewing platform and installation

      Viewing platform and installation

    • One of 10 Triptych inset tiles.

      One of 10 Triptych inset tiles.

    • Portrait of Captail Cook

      Portrait of Captail Cook

    • Memorial plaque

      Memorial plaque

Supporting Web Links

People's Choice Top 25

Other Projects

This photo shows the flags flying from the footbridge bridge over the Macleay River at Stuarts Point. The bridge is popular with locals and tourists as a fishing or look out place. The bridge is used to access the beach and ocean. The flags were made form donated and new fabric were painted, dyed, embelished using applique techniques and hand stitching.Makers used local symbols like birds, waves, fish, flowers the sun and figures to decorate their flags that reflected a deep connection to place. Artists encourage psrtoicipants to find their own symbols that represent their connection to the area. After erecting the flags people lingered on the bridge to enjoy the atmosphere created by the flags and to talk with each other. As the river is tidal, sand banks form allowing safe access to the river for all ages.This is the third footbridge bridge in this place. Previous Art In The Park – Four exciting workshops in fruit, vegetable, butter and ice sculpture were held at Don Bosco Youth Centre for young people and their families from many cultures followed by an exhibition of Filipino Australian arts and ideas at Coachmans Park in St Marys. An initiative by Dante Barcoma, auspiced by Philippine Australian Community Services Incorporated (PACSI) with community partners Don Bosco Youth Centre and Information Cultural Exchange (ICE).This project was funded by and given mentoring support on the ground by Magnetic Places Community Cultural Grants Program 2008. Next

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