Shire start on outdoor art

CARDINIA’S civic art project is fast taking shape.
A shortlist of artists has been drawn up for what is to be the first of several artworks commissioned by the shire in conjunction with Delfin Lend Lease.
The Lakeside Pakenham Public Art Program is a $150,000 program. The first project to be commissioned will be outside the entrance to the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
The two projects to follow will be outside the new Cardinia LiFE aquatic and recreation centre and the western end of the lake at Lakeside. There also is the possibility of another artwork in Pakenham’s town centre.
Central Ward councillor Kate Lempriere said planning for the first piece was well under way.
Cr Lempriere, who previously urged residents to get behind the project and “open their hearts to the arts”, said there was a high level of support for it in the community.
“I know it’s not everybody’s cup of tea but it is a very important project,” Cr Lempriere said.
She said a public forum on the project had been well attended.
Four artists have been selected from a field of more than 50 interested people, including local, Victorian and interstate interests, to develop proposals for the project.
Cr Lempriere said it was expected the work would be decided by April and completed by August.