Case Study: Strand Ephemera
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery’s biennial outdoor sculpture exhibition, Strand Ephemera first took place in 2001.
The debut exhibition was developed in response to the redevelopment of Townsville’s Strand esplanade and the increasing Public Policy focus on Public Art. Displayed at various sites along the 2.2km Strand beachfront (which is also home to a number of permanent public artworks) the 40 plus artworks that are selected for this 10 day ephemeral exhibition are a direct result of a national call for artists made by the Gallery. Artists are asked to respond to the site, show evidence of contemporary practice and consider: the outdoor climate, environmental factors and public interaction.
Strand Ephemera offers artists the opportunity to explore their own practice in ephemeral materials and to engage with issues pertaining to Public Art including environmental factors and public accessibility and interaction. A key success factor of Strand Ephemera is the appeal of the magnificent location which inspires artists to develop site-specific artwork for the exhibition.
Aimed to entice, engage and educate residents and visitors, accompanying Strand Ephemera is an established public program of activities including guided artwork tours, art workshops, artists’ talks, an education program and a public art forum.
Amber Church, Public Art Officer, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Image: Ephemera In the Sands of Time by Jan-Hynes | Photo: Andersson & Yrstad