The flood waters had started to fall; the peak up there with the big ones; the cars travelling south across the Neville Hewitt bridge could glimpse the emergence of vivid colours on the concrete walls in front of the Pilbeam Theatre. Whether you loved or hated it the image below the waterline that was called contemporary art had become to represent both the resilience and vibrancy of the city. Once the flood waters had fully receded and a hose down ‘it’, as bold as the day first unveiled, made a statement about Rockhampton, one that could not be ignored.
Just over 10 years ago a multimillion dollar “bombed out war bunker” was unveiled in Melbourne. A contemporary design was the state government line, ugly was how some media reported it. Federation Square received lots of mixed reaction, tons of it. Its design challenged perceptions, it made people think, it was risky, it was bold and now it is recognised internationally in the 10 great Plaza’s and Squares. Federation Square, whether you hate or love its design has had a positive impact on the image of Melbourne.
Comments about the image of Rockhampton are not usually positive. The latest I read included not supportive of mining. This might be seen as a positive by some, but cultural backwater, fast food capital of Queensland, a place you don’t want to end up, indicates more needs to be done to enhance a positive vibrant image. Changing an image is difficult, it has evolved over time and it doesn’t even have to be true; perception is reality enough. A bold move may stimulate the start of an image change. The bland concrete walls in front of the Pilbeam Theatre make a statement about the city as does the changing skyline behind it, one countering the other. Could with Art funding these walls be transformed from bland to bold. So bold that people would have a strong opinion; be it love or hate. Not a safe mural depicting the history of the city, a contemporary design that stimulates one to think and discuss, that challenges perceptions of the city. A design that flood waters will cover now and then, but as it emerges so again does the spirit of a vibrant city.