Love actually may be all around, but this October in Ipswich, it’s glove actually.
Residents are invited to dust off a treasured glove, share its story and help create one of two new public artworks on the way for the city.
A free community picnic will be held in d’Arcy Doyle Place from 10.30am to 1.30pm on Saturday 17 October as renowned sculpture and installation artist Hannah Gartside gathers inspiration for Holding Time.
Holding Time, along with a second piece by Ipswich artist Donna Davis titled Pollen Pods, has been funded through the Australian Government’s Public Art Initiative under the SEQ City Deal.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said these exciting projects would add to the city’s cultural landscape.
“Ipswich City Council has secured $810,000 in funding for two pieces of public art through the Australian Government’s $10 million Public Art Initiative under the SEQ City Deal,” Mayor Harding said.
“The program is focused on projects that activate public spaces, boost cultural vibrancy and help build a legacy ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Holding Time by artist Hannah Gartside will reshape how people interact with one of our city’s most well-known spots, d’Arcy Doyle Place in Ipswich Central.
“The project will explore our city’s rich textile history by collecting gloves and the stories that go with them to create a piece of art that reflects the people, memories and experiences that have shaped Ipswich.
“Gloves actually are all around us. These everyday items hold memories of the hands that wore them, the work they carried out and the moments they were part of.
“These personal memories will help inspire the final artwork and ensure it captures the spirit, character and history of Ipswich.”
Residents can donate a treasured glove, or if they would prefer to keep it, they can share a photograph or drawing along with the story behind it.
Ms Gartside said she is overjoyed and honoured to be creating a new sculpture for the city of Ipswich.
“Contributing an artwork to the public space is a responsibility I hold tenderly, and there’s so much potential in experiencing art as part of daily life,” Ms Gartside said.
“As a practicing artist with a background in ballet costume making and design, I have worked with textiles for more than 20 years.
“Textiles hold the intimacies of our lives and longings, both in their physical form and in our memories, and my artwork uses worn leather gloves to reference and express care and connection.
“I hope that, in time, the artwork becomes part of the city’s visual DNA and inspires future generations of artists and creative thinkers.”
Mayor Harding said the second artwork, Pollen Pods by Ipswich artist Donna Davis, would further enhance public art in Ipswich.
Ms Davis, who is widely regarded and has previously exhibited at Ipswich Art Gallery, will produce a piece that celebrates Ipswich’s native flora and ecological systems through a playful lens.
“I hope this work encourages others to see the plant world in a new way, growing their own environmental curiosity and pollinating a new respect for the wonder of nature,” Ms Davis said.
Mayor Harding said once completed, the two artworks would capture the imaginations of residents and visitors for many years to come.
This Public Art Initiative is a commitment under the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal between the Australian Government, Queensland Government, and the Council of Mayors (SEQ).
For more information about the projects, visit Shapeyouripswich.com.au/public-art-commissions
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