The Public Art and Heritage Collection
We oversee a number of public artworks, significant civic historical monuments and memorabilia within Moonee Valley.
Curator's Pick of the Month
Richard Ennis is the curator at the Incinerator Gallery. Each month he will highlight a piece of art from the collection and give a brief background on its significance.
Everybird
By Bruce Armstrong
Classification: Public Art
Location: Maribyrnong River bank, near Raleigh Street bridge
Bruce Armstrong is one of Australia’s best known and most loved sculptors. He is responsible for the large eagle overlooking the Docklands named Bunjil and the fierce dog-like figures that stand outside the National Gallery of Victoria named Guardians.
We are lucky enough to have a number of his sculptures in our city and this month I have chosen to focus on the impressive Everybird.
Everybird sits on the banks of the Maribyrnong River watching over the banks. It is built into the slope and acts as a guardian for passer-bys reminding us of the profound and solemn beauty of nature that is so abundant in that area.
Armstrong’s sculptures are heart-warming reminders of the nature around us which is why Everybird has been selected for restoration and can continue to watch over the river bend for years to come.
We will be giving the Everybird sculpture a complete restoration over the next few months.
What is in our collection?
We divide our collection into three specific areas including:
- Visual artwork housed within civic buildings throughout Moonee Valley
- Public art which is outdoor artwork created for the public domain
- Heritage items which includes some civic related memorabilia and monuments
The Moonee Valley Art Collection Acquisition Policy
The Moonee Valley Art Collection Policy recognises the need to maintain and develop the collection.
Acquisitions are purchased through public art commissions, donations, art prizes or the council budget but it must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrates relevance to the people, past, present and future of Moonee Valley
- Can be integrated with our cultural programs including infrastructure projects
- Possesses significant historical relevance, including early depictions of the landscape and indications of the Aboriginal presence
- Is appropriate for the proposed location
- Will be publically visible and accessible
- Is the highest affordable quality
- Is an original work or limited edition sign and numbered by the artist
Contact the Arts and Culture team on 9243 8888 for more information.