Art in Public Spaces
Townsville City Council recognises that the incorporation of public art contributes to an attractive and stimulating built environment, and to the community’s appreciation and knowledge of the visual arts. Public artworks are also important as they have the ability to improve the quality of life and the environment, reinforce the unique identity of Townsville, and acknowledge the cultural diversity of contemporary Townsville, and the Indigenous and non-Indigenous heritage of the city.
There are over 70 public artworks currently on permanent display throughout the city. To view a list of these works, please click the links below.
- Public Art Images (PDF, 14.2 MB)
- Memorial and Commemorative Items (PDF, 11.5 MB)
If you're looking to enjoy some of the city's public art, you can take a day trip to the Jezzine Barracks precinct and stroll the public art trail, or see the permanent artworks located along The Strand, in the CBD, and in other areas of the city.
Townsville is also the home to Ephemera, a biennial outdoor sculpture exhibition. Attracting over 180,000 local, national and international visitors in 2021, it is anticipated that audiences will exceed 200,000 in 2023, with the exhibition period expanding to 16 days, thanks to public feedback!
North Queensland Stadium Precinct
In Bloom
In Bloom, created by local Cairn’s artist Daniel Wallwork, was commissioned by Townsville City Council. This 4.5-metre-high public art sculpture is located at the entrance to the North Queensland Stadium Precinct, corner of Wally Tallis Way and Pride Close.
In Bloom is an exploration and celebration of the beauty of the tropical flowers and plants found throughout our amazing North Queensland landscape and gardens. Layered foliage and flowers in full bloom, jostling for space, unfolding to reveal a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours and dynamic forms, reaching up and embracing the sun and welcoming the ever-changing world around it.
Installation images
Jezzine Barracks Public Art
The heritage precinct at Jezzine Barracks is home to 33 public artworks created by 13 Aboriginal and 11 non-Aboriginal artists from Townsville, North Queensland and Queensland.
All the works have been created in response to this unique site, with some artists considering the military history of the headland and others considering the significance of the area for Aboriginal people. Some of the works address the meeting and reconciliation of Aboriginal, non-Aboriginal and military groups.
Want to learn more about the public art around Jezzine Barracks? Watch the artist videos available on our YouTube channel.
- Jezzine Public Art Map (PDF, 4.0 MB)
Discover Council's public artworks on display throughout the region with the below interactive Google map.
For more information, please phone 13 48 10 or contact Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.