Public Art database collated online to preserve and educate

Over the past 12 months, the City of Ballarat Arts and Culture team has been working to develop a collection database of the City of Ballarat's public art. 

The collection is now available on the Victorian Collections website with more to be added to the collection as new temporary and permanent artworks are added to the database.  

Each artwork has details such as artists/creators noted, materials, historical information, and location to help people find and view the more than 120 public art pieces in the city.  

The placement of each piece of public art throughout the city, whether it is a memorial or a contemporary statement, has been closely discussed, evaluated, and considered.  

Every single piece has been placed at a specific moment in time, highlighting a particular moment, event or person. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney, said the online database is a great tool for art-lovers to find and experience the depth of Ballarat’s artistic side.  

“This online collection is a wonderful way for people to see our entire public art collection in one place, something we as a city are very proud of,” he said.  

“Public art is so important to a city as it tells the story if its people as well as providing beauty, thought, and interest to our already stunning outdoor spaces.”  

“Now more than ever, when the Art Gallery of Ballarat is sadly closed under COVID-19 restrictions, I encourage everyone to jump online and check out the collection or, if you live close enough to a few of these prices, go check them out while you are out and about.”   

As our city grows, it is important that we continually grow and evolve our public art collection and all of it can now be viewed in personal and in virtual reality.  

Check out the full collection at www.victoriancollections.net.au/organisations/city-ballarat-arts-cultural-development