An artist’s impression of Cathy Drew’s Rockpool sculpture that will grace the Bay Pavilions in Batemans Bay when it is completed. Image: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
The latest step in the massive Bay Pavilions project in Batemans Bay has been announced, with the forecourts to be graced with large public art in the form of two sculptures.
Two large-scale pieces, Cathy Drew’s Rockpool and Fenella Richards’s Emergence will soon be positioned in the western and theatre forecourts of Bay Pavilion, respectively.
Describing Ms Drew’s Rockpool, Eurobodalla Shire Council planning and sustainability services director Lindsay Usher said, “It’s big – four metres by two metres – but no more than one metre high.”
Made of cast aluminium, the surface texture of Rockpool is designed to echo the Eurobodalla’s eroded sandstone headlands. At night, lights will rise and fall, reflecting the tidal ebb and flow of the nearby Clyde River estuary.
“Art works best when you can interact with it directly,” said Mr Usher.
“Shaped like an infinity loop, Rockpool is particularly tactile and makes for an interesting place to sit.”
Mr Usher said Emergence references the mangrove wetland environment near the precinct, with nine ‘eggs’ cracked open to reveal wildlife imagery made from backlit laser-cut steel.
The Emergence sculpture will reference the mangrove wetland near Bay Pavilions in Batemans Bay. Image: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
“Set in clusters, the eggs complement Bay Pavilions’ architectural design without detracting from the building, and lit up at night, represent the theatre lights inside,” he said.
The sculptures are set to cost an estimated $238,318, which will be met from within the overall Bay Pavilion project budget. Mr Usher said he is delighted with the quality of artwork Bay Pavilions has attracted.
“We had nearly two dozen expressions of interest from top-shelf artists,” he said. “There was a lot of discussion to whittle those down to five shortlisted artists, guided by our Public Art Advisory Committee.
“The final two chosen sculptures align perfectly with our ideas of place and community. They are large enough to create an impact, while remaining intimate – a real talking point for the precinct.”
Construction is still moving ahead for Bay Pavilions, Batemans Bay’s new aquatic and arts centre, with its name having been officially approved and adopted by council on 25 May, 2021.
A naming process had taken place whereby community members were invited to provide input via an online survey and pop-up shop.
An artist’s impression of the interior of Bay Pavilions’ aquatic centre in Batemans Bay. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
The branding for the centre has been developed by brand specialist CITIZEN, which had initially suggested ‘pavilions’ to be included in the name as it addresses the multipurpose nature of the centre.
Work on the $69 million centre commenced in September 2020 and is expected to be completed in time for opening in early 2022.
The centre will feature several indoor pools, an arts and cultural centre, an auditorium with seating for up to 350 people, a gallery and exhibition space, arts workshop spaces and meeting rooms, as well as shared facilities including a foyer, cafe and visitor information services.
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