Re:
Land Art Installation at "The Bridge" at Shark Creek
Bridge.
My
proposal for what I would like to describe as a Land Art Installation involves
the RTA, The Shire Council, Historical Societies in the region and any
other interested parties. I suggest we call an on-site gathering of
these people to take the following proposal
further.
Let
me state categorically at the outset that conservation and restoration of this
RTA heritage listed concrete bowstring arch road bridge and sensitive
attention to its cartilage is the number one priority.
What
I am proposing is to further enhance this heritage bridge by drawing attention
beyond its once utilitarian value by making it an artistic, sculptural
object. The integrity of the structure will not be affected as I
envisage "populating" the bridge area with several objects/sculptures typical
of the more peaceful time of the bridge's inauguration in 1936, just before
the global turmoil that was World War 11 for example: vintage car/s of
the era and concrete-cast people. The effect will be like a scene, a
moment in time captured on the bridge. Landscaping the surrounding land
with a low-maintenance garden would further beautify the area and draw
attention to it as a valued place in the community. A small
parking spot as a resting and viewing place near the bridge would encourage
travellers to pause and explore.
As
you can see, this project could very well involve a small number of artists
and landscape architects being invited to present some drafts for display at
the Regional Gallery. Perhaps even a competition could be announced via
the local media. This would raise the profile of this region as a
community interested in its heritage and in contemporary
art.
Brilliantly
and collectively developed this project could be recognised and admired far
beyond our own horizon. The 24/7 passing highway audience of millions
will have a glimpse of the scenario. Some will stop and investigate and
soon The Bridge at Shark Creek Bridge will become a well known landmark.
When this happens, the flow on will enrich the shire in more ways than
one.
Let's
begin by getting together and having a serious conversation about how we
wish to proceed.
I
look forward to hearing from you all.
Ture Sjolander
artist
Posters,
Postcards, trinklets and a special website, and video will be part of the
installation.
----- Original Message -----
From:
Grafton_Regional_Office@rta.nsw.gov.au
To: Ture Sjolander
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 3:23 PM
Subject: Shark Creek Bridge Cultural
Heritage
Dear Mr
Sjolander,
Thank you for your e-mail regarding suggested changes to the old Shark Creek
Bridge and its curtilege. Your interest in the bridge is
appreciated and you have raised worthy issues in your
representation.
This
structure is recognised by the RTA as having rarity value at a State level and
is listed on the RTA's s170 Heritage register. The old Shark Creek bridge
is one of only two concrete bowstring arch road bridges built in NSW.
The strict guidelines associated with the maintenance of a heritage structure discourage changes to a structure's appearance, form or fabric. As such any
proposed changes to the colour of the concrete structure would not be
supported by the RTA.
Your
proposal has brought to our attention various matters of house-keeping at this
site that will be investigated shortly with the aim of improving the
appearance of the structure and the adjacent site area. Issues with vegetation
control and concrete washing will be included in the scope of this proposed
maintenance activity.
Please note that the RTA
is responsible for all decisions associated with the management of this
bridge and no work can be undertaken on the bridge or its curtilege without
the approval of the RTA.
Yours
faithfully,
David Bell
Regional
Manager