The project has made the arts more accessible for the community involving residents across Brimbank in the excitement being generated by inviting them to participate in three community arts initiatives including workshops and the 1000 Cows exhibition.
Man lifting cow takes pride of place in the middle of the vibrant food and cultural offerings in Sunshine and is an outstanding and iconic public artwork complementing the re-emergence of one of Melbourne’s great centres.
John Watson, Chair of Administrators for Brimbank City Council, said the artwork is another compelling reason that Melbournians should visit the ever transforming Sunshine Town Centre.
“Man lifting cow is an extraordinary artwork with a remarkable story starting with Sunshine-raised John Kelly who has donated his time to this project to leave a legacy in his home town,” Mr Watson said.
“As an internationally renowned artist who was raised in Sunshine, John is a role model for the local community and with this sculpture he has made the arts more accessible for our community.
“Back in 2013, John contacted us with the amazing offer to produce this artwork for Sunshine, it was an offer too generous and too good to refuse.
The sculpture’s estimated worth is more than $600,000.
- Council allocated $100,000 for the project;
- Remaining costs have been covered by a number of commercial in confidence cash and in-kind contributions from project partners and supporters.
“It paid off in spades and today we unveil an outstanding, iconic, public artwork in Sunshine, the dynamic centre of Melbourne’s booming west.
“The artist John Kelly, alongside major partners Sotheby’s Australia, Vicinity Centres, the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust and our other supporters have delivered a project that will connect, inspire and engage.
“The arts are an important part of this city’s cultural fabric and help us to interpret and understand what is around us and beyond us.
“This project in particular has galvanised passion and enthusiasm from all involved and we have already heard wonderful feedback from the local community about what it means for Sunshine.
“I invite people from across Melbourne to come and visit this brilliant artwork and rediscover Sunshine as it re-emerges as one of Melbourne’s great centres.
“The 6 metre sculpture takes pride of place in Sunshine’s main street and stands opposite the newly opened, seven storey, Brimbank Community and Civic Centre.”
Mr Watson also acknowledged the great work of Fundêre Studios in Sunshine, one of only a handful of foundries in Australia capable of assisting in the development of the sculpture.
International Artist Inspires Arts Excitement in Sunshine
Brimbank City Council and partners invite the community to get involved in an exciting series of arts initiatives that celebrate the approaching installation of the iconic artwork Man lifting cow.
Brimbank Chair of Administrators John Watson said the installation of the bronze sculpture by internationally recognised artist John Kelly in Sunshine this September was a landmark arts project for Brimbank and the Western Region.
“It is wonderful that we have the opportunity to involve residents across Brimbank in the excitement being generated by the Man lifting cow project by inviting them to participate in three community arts initiatives,” Mr Watson said.
“These arts initiatives have been made possible through the further generous support of one of Man lifting cow’s principal partners,” he said. “Alongside hosting art workshops and the 1000 Cows exhibition, Sunshine Marketplace has pledged prize money for schools and students.
“Our list of corporate, philanthropic, local business and arts partners and supporters is testament to Council’s commitment to a collaborative approach and the wider enthusiasm for this iconic sculpture.”
Council’s three principal partners are Sotheby’s Australia, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and Sunshine Marketplace. Our major supporter is The Sun Foundation and the project supporters are Sunshine Business Association, Kane Construction, Bonacci, Lyons Architects and Big West Festival and the Victorian Government.
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