Iconic live music venues Volta, The Eastern and Civic Hall, along with local radio stations and musicians are honoured in the Annexe Wall.
The City of Ballarat has a new addition to their already vibrant music scene. Today a new music mural has popped up at the Annexe Wall in Alfred Deakin Place, right near the Ballarat Art Gallery.
The public art commission enlisted local artist Joel Hammonds to immortalise the people, places and projects that make up the local Ballarat music ecology from past to present, mirroring the works showcased in the celebrated and popular Art Gallery of Ballarat exhibition, Medieval to Metal: The Evolution of the Guitar, which is currently on display until 2 February.
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
Adding to Ballarat’s already lively public art collection, the mural is a striking homage to the city’s championing of grassroots music making and drawcard of major talent. Coloured in black, pink, purple and blue, Hammonds leans into the rock ‘n’ roll roots of the region and the spotlights of the stage.
“The inspiration for the colours of my mural came from lighting in smaller live music venues across Ballarat, and the live music shots all come from my own band”, he says.
Hammonds drew reference from his personal connection to the scene including the venue stickers that decorate his guitar, the local artists he supports and the spaces that he frequents. The mural includes the guitar player from Crossroads Music, the brick backgrounds of the industrial set live music venue Volta, the poster pillar on Armstrong Street South that used to be wrapped in layers of posters promoting upcoming shows, the Civic Hall signage and a young local artist, Otrera.
Combining his passions of art and music, Hammonds says the project was a privilege to undertake for the city.
“My goal for this piece is to create a collection of visual cues that can take the viewer back to a moment where music has etched itself into their lives – great nights out, celebrations, shared experiences that create lifelong connections. I want people to notice something new every time they walk past, building on the connection and the experience.”
Hammonds has previous had mural work included in the LET US KNOW WHAT YOU LOVE arts trail alongside artists Rach Jackson, Scott Leonard, Spencer Harrison, Jay Kulbardi, and Margie Balazic.
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The music mural adds to the always growing map of public art that is littered throughout the region. City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves says public art reflects an artist’s view of the world and is a great way to ensure the public can enjoy art for free.
“There are more than 120 pieces of public art placed throughout our city and surrounds to enjoy. The Art Gallery Annexe Wall is a great public art asset that constantly evolves,” she says.
“The latest instalment at the Annexe Wall is an inspiring nod to Ballarat’s live music scene and to the acclaimed Medieval to Metal exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.”
The mural pops up in time for the Always Live events taking over the city late this month and across December. Ballarat will play host to international stars including Jack White, St Vincent, Andy Shauf and more.
Visit the Annexe Wall music mural in Ballarat from today and learn more about the project here.
