Public Art Statements | Altum Living
Transforming creative visions into tangible works
In recent years, public art has become a transformative force in shaping the identity, engagement, and visual appeal of urban landscapes. Public art is more than mere decoration—it’s a vibrant conversation between community, history, and the built environment. One of the most innovative projects exemplifying this ethos is the recent collaboration between The Factory, local artists, and community groups, creating a public art statement that beautifully captures the spirit of Scarborough’s surf culture, history, and community pride.
This project, brought to life after the successful Altum Living fit-out signage and public art ‘the wave’ statement, signals a bold new phase: surfboard art statements blending creativity, heritage, and modern signage technology. At its core lies a collective vision fostered by expert collaboration, community input, and a deep respect for place.
The Power and Purpose of Public Art
Public art operates at the intersection of cultural expression and communal space. Unlike gallery art, it is accessible to all and invites ongoing interaction from passersby, residents, and visitors. Public art statements like those in Altum Living Scarborough serve multiple purposes:
- Celebrating Local Identity: By drawing on regional history, natural elements, and cultural symbols, public art projects celebrate what makes a place unique.
- Fostering Community Engagement: Inviting community participation in the creative process fosters a sense of ownership and pride.
- Revitalising Spaces: Art transforms ordinary locations into memorable landmarks, enhancing the visual character of streetscapes and public realms.
- Inspiring Dialogue: Through layered visual narratives, public art can provoke thought, spark conversations, and encourage reflection on shared experiences.
The Vision: Surfboards as Sculptural Art Statements
The Scarborough surfboard art project stands as a unique example of public art statements that are both aesthetic and deeply meaningful. In this case, surfboards—icons of the local beach culture—become the canvas for a collaborative art installation reflecting Scarborough’s past, present, and future. As a local signage company, we bring valuable manufacturing expertise to the creation of public art. This experience in materials, fabrication processes, and installation ensures that artworks are not only visually impactful but also durable and safe for public spaces. By collaborating with artists, signage companies can help transform creative visions into tangible works of art that enhance community spaces.
Sourcing Local Talent
The Factory, well-known for their creative signage solutions, led the charge by sourcing local artists. The project brought together an impressive team:
- Cooling Bros: Renowned for their innovative architectural & commercial glass solutions, bringing technical mastery to the project’s transparent elements.
- Emily Jackson: A local artist committed to community engagement and storytelling through visual art.
- Justin Martin: A respected and established Wadjuk artist and Cultural Advisor from Boorloo Boodja, Perth Western Australia
- Stirling Community Group: Their involvement sourced by Emily Jackson, ensured the art would reflect grassroots participation and meaning.
Artistry and Community: Meaningful Engagement
A hallmark of this particular project was the deep involvement of the Stirling community group, led by Emily Jackson. To imbue the installation with authentic local voices, Emily facilitated a printmaking workshop for community members. The workshop provided a platform for residents to contribute their own artistic expressions and empowering messages, which were then thoughtfully incorporated into the finished surfboard artworks. Moreover, Emily sourced historical photographs from local organisations, connecting visual motifs from the past with contemporary interpretations.
Materials and Techniques:
The selection of jarrah wood—an iconic Australian hardwood—was both an aesthetic and symbolic decision. Jarrah’s rich, warm hues and enduring strength nod to Western Australia’s natural heritage and the resilience of the Scarborough community. These handcrafted surfboards, designed not for the waves but as sculptural canvases, anchor the installation in a sense of place and environmental authenticity.
To complement the timber, the project incorporated elements of glasswork and advanced printing technologies. Cooling Bros’ expertise in architectural glass solutions contributed luminous panels that refract light beautifully, evoking the shimmer of sunlight on ocean waves. These transparent elements, etched with motifs from community workshops and historical archives, add depth and movement to the surfboard forms.
From vision to reality
The finished surfboard sculptures now stand as living symbols of Scarborough’s identity—a fusion of beach lifestyle, local history, and collective creative energy. Visitors are invited to pause, explore the layered visuals, and reflect on the stories embedded within each piece. For locals, the installation is a source of pride and connection, capturing the community’s spirit in a tangible, lasting way.
The Scarborough surfboard art project sets a benchmark for future public art initiatives—showing what’s possible when local expertise, community input, and innovative design coalesce. It encourages ongoing dialogue about the role of art in public spaces and inspires other communities to leave their own creative mark.
Ready to transform your space?
Whether you’re embarking on a new public art initiative or seeking to enhance your space with a unique installation, our experienced signage team is here to guide you from concept through completion. Connect with us today to bring your vision to life with expertise you can trust. Let’s make your vision a reality!