Largest Richmond Valley Council art project in history up to community vote

This incredible art project for the 83-year-old art deco water tower will help put the Richmond Valley on the map, but which artwork best represents our region?

The four water tower submissions by Apparition Media; The Brightsiders; Fintan Scott-Macgee; and Matt Adnate

A 83-year-old art deco water tower is set to be Casino’s latest tourist attraction, as the council kickstarts its “largest art project in history”.

The South Casino water tower has long been touted as the site for a mural to attract visitors to the region, and now a $125,000 grant from the Federal Government’s regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grant Program is set to make it a reality.

Matt Adnate's submission

Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow said the visitor economy was an increasingly important pillar of the overall economy and silo/water tower art could be a vital part of this, with plans to list the destination of the official Australian Silo Art Trail.

“Our goal is to make Casino a destination in its own right, so to be able to give tourists another point of interest while they are here is a positive sign we are on the right track,” Cr Mustow said.

“The Australian Silo Art Trail Facebook group has more than 50,000 followers and produces an annual calendar, an ultimate road trip guide, as well as a collection of maps featuring some of the best silo and water tower art across the country. It’s exciting to think Casino could feature in future publications.”

Apparition Media's submission.

The mural will be the centrepiece of a scenic and heritage trail, which includes interpretative signage covering key points of interest and historical architecture featured throughout Casino and South Casino town centres.

“Once visitors have enjoyed their time checking out the water tower mural and other points of interest along the riverbank and around town, they will no doubt be keen to visit our wonderful cafes, bistros and shops – refuelling our local economy after a couple of tough years,” Cr Mustow said.

Brightsider's submission

He said the next step in the mural process depended on community consultation.

Four artists ‒ Apparition Media; The Brightsiders; Fintan Scott-Macgee; and Matt Adnate ‒ had presented their submissions and now it was up to the community to choice their favourite.

He said while all seven councillors favoured The Brightsiders submission, Cr Mustow said the Casino community would have “strong say” in the final decision.

“The artwork will be on public exhibition until Thursday, June 3, and I would encourage you all to send in a submission – be it five words or five lines in length,” he said.

Fintan Scott-Macgee's submission

More information on the artists, including images of the proposed designs, is available via the On Exhibition page on Council’s website.

Those making written submissions should send them to [e-mail], Richmond Valley Council, Locked Bag 10 CASINO NSW 2470 or to Council’s Administration Centre in Casino.