Emma Coulter chosen to create public art for Yarrila place, Coffs Harbour

An artist and bold concept has been chosen for the public work to adorn the $82m Cultural and Civic Space, now known as Yarrila place. See what it will look like.

An artist has been chosen to create a signature public artwork for the $82m Cultural and Civic Space, now known as Yarrila place.

Following a national call out for artists, a selection panel chose artist Emma Coulter and her colourful concept.

The Gordon St building is currently under construction and will house a new library, art gallery and council offices and is due to be finished by the end of the year.

Ms Coulter’s winning submission titled “Let them feel the light” is a multi-coloured site-specific sculpture of coloured glass and aluminium that will extend across the large, three story wall in the centre of the building’s atrium.

She describes how the inspiration for the upcoming work in is the idea of light refracting on the surface of the water and dispersing into colour.

“Coffs Harbour’s subtropical, surf coast location and historical lighthouse are each interpretative elements,” Ms Coulter said.

“The planned work will form a lantern at the heart of the new cultural centre, creating coloured patterns and shadows.”

Coffs Harbour Gallery and Museum curator Joanna Besley said the concept beautifully captured the meaning of the Gumbaynggirr word ‘yarrila’ – to illuminate and brighten – and was a bold statement about optimism.

Emma Coulter, is an Australian artist, whose practice encompasses painting, sculpture and site-specific installation.

She completed her undergraduate studies in visual art and the built environment at QUT, in Brisbane in 2000 and went on to complete her Masters at VCA, in Melbourne in 2015.

Ms Coulter has been awarded several grants, prizes, major public art projects, and museum installations and her works have been exhibited nationally and internationally.