Arts and Sculpture "From the beginning there was a vision that the new Marion Cultural Centre would celebrate, support and inspire local arts and culture. This spirit was reflected in the choice of an architecturally adventurous and exciting building and the inclusion of artists in the project team."

The extensive consultation undertaken by Council included several ‘Passion Cafes’ - conversational forums held in a relaxed, café-style atmosphere to provide feedback on the design and function of the Centre.

Through these it became clear that the community wants to see a Cultural Centre that is there for all the people of Marion.

The new Centre should also express the identity of Marion and celebrate the many cultures and communities which contribute to this identity. As well as showing artwork of national and international significance, it should be a place for local expression and creativity.

Current and future Cultural Centre arts projects reflect this focus of cultural development at a community level, as well as providing a venue for innovative new work.

‘I’-con

"The ‘I’-con is a ‘standout’ symbol that gives the Cultural Centre its identity and sense of ‘place’ as well as forging a link between the vertical and horizontal elements of the site."

Marion Cultural Centre’s team of architects has created a distinctive architectural statement for the Centre based on the form of the word ‘MARION’.

The I-con sculpture occupies the position for the letter ‘I’ linking the ‘MAR’ on the building’s eastern face with the landscaped and sculptured expression of the ‘O’ and ‘N’ at the entry and along Warracowie Way.

Designed by internationally acclaimed local sculptor, Greg Johns, the 8-metre, dual column, steel structure creates a dramatic, eye-catching focal element at the front of the building.

Entitled ‘From the Horizon-Towards the Land’ the statue relates to both the harshness of the Australian landscape and to the unique characteristics of Marion’s local environment.

At the base is a boat form containing pieces of local stone (ironstone), whilst a river/snakelike column (reflective of the local Sturt River) rises to a cloud shape at the sculpture’s apex.

Designed to work on a number of levels the sculpture symbolically moves its storytelling from sea to land to horizon.

The Warracowie Wells project

"The Warracowie Wells project recalls memories of another era and serves to connect the past with the present."

The Cultural Centre is sited on a slight hill where the old homestead of Warracowie used to stand.

When the building was demolished a range of materials, including red bricks, bluestone, were salvaged with the intent of making use of them in the new development in acknowledgment of earlier histories.

One such history was the existence of three wells in this area associated with domestic requirements and local horticultural enterprises.

Artist Martin Corbin working with Landscape Designer, Viesturs Cielens have used salvaged materials to evoke the memory of these wells and through them tell something of the history of this site.

The wells are symbolised through three circular features on The Plaza.

The artwork is intended as an attractive and contemplative addition to The Plaza, which will give the community enjoyment and a deeper appreciation of a sense of place.

For further information please contact Suzy Stiles on 8375 6682 or by email suzy.stiles@marion.sa.gov.au