Renowned artists Mike Makatron and Sam Brooks have been selected to paint murals on SA Water tanks at Minlacowie and Wool Bay.

Concept designs are in the final stages of preparation for both murals. Mike Makatron has painted throughout the world, and was previously the lead artist for the Southern Yorke Peninsula Water Tower Mural Trail pieces at Edithburgh and Stansbury.

Mike’s artwork at Minlacowie – a huge tank between Minlaton and Yorketown – will include local scenery that relates to Yorke Peninsula Council’s slogan of ‘agriculturally rich, naturally beautiful’ with prominent nods to Narungga culture.

Sam Brooks’ resume includes the Eudunda silos among many other large-scale murals across the state. Sam’s Wool Bay painting will include separate but connected murals on the SA Water site’s shed and tank, tying the town and surrounding region’s history to its present day. Sam’s work will also incorporate nods to Narungga history as well as the port, modern agriculture and nature.

The artists were chosen as a result of an expression of interest process, and their art will be based on extensive consultation with the Yorke Peninsula community. “We are incredibly excited to have such accomplished artists committed to paint these tanks, which will add to our national award winning SYP Water Tower Mural Trail,” Mayor Darren Braund said. “The preliminary designs look fantastic and will be improved upon further before painting commences in the first half of next year. “We can’t wait for everyone to see these new murals, which will improve an initiative that has already proven to be a significant drawcard for tourists and a source of community pride for locals.”

The Bulbacowie & Wool Bay -Southern Yorke Peninsula water tower extension project was made possible through $130,000 funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.

The Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said “This new line of untied funding has been enthusiastically welcomed by local councils and consequently we elected to keep the program going past the pandemic,” Mr Ramsey said. “It has great merit in that local councils should be closest to their communities and know where best to invest. “I am very pleased the incoming government has re-committed to the program.”

 

Big mural opportunity for local artists

Yorke Peninsula Council is offering talented and enthusiastic local artists the opportunity to expand their skills through a mentorships with renowned large-scale mural artists. Council has been preparing for the final touches to its SYP Water Tower/Tank Mural Trail with the addition of the two new murals – Minlacowie and Wool Bay. Minlacowie’s water tank, which can be seen when travelling between Minlaton and Yorketown, measures almost six metres high and more than 100 metres around. Wool Bay’s water tank and associated shed, near the town golf course, are also set to become works of art.

Council has appointed renowned artists Sam Brooks (Wool Bay) and Mike Makatron (Minlacowie) to paint the SA Water tanks. Two successful applicants will be selected, one for each tank, and will each spend one week working under the guidance of the lead artist and their supporting artist/s learning what it takes to create large-scale public artwork. A stipend will be offered to the successful applicants to cover expenses such as any travel required and time away from regular employment.

“This is your chance to gain invaluable experience with a highly credentialed artist working on a large-scale public mural which will form part of the award-winning SYP Water Tower/Tank Mural Trail,” Mayor Darren Braund said. “You can learn and refine the skills needed to project manage and deliver on major public art, bolstering your resume and portfolio. “Mentees will increase their chances of being selected as the lead artist on projects such as murals in the future.

“They will also help produce a beloved piece of art which will encourage community pride and attract tourists, helping the local economy.”

The artists plan to work on the murals in February-March, 2023.

The Expression of Interest is open to all artists living on Yorke Peninsula. Narungga artists residing on Yorke Peninsula are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications close Friday, 27 January 2023.

To find our more and to apply visit www.yorke.sa.gov.au/news/expression-of-interest-mentorship-water-tank-art-mural/.