When complete, the building will be North Sydney’s tallest tower, a 48-storey mixed use hotel and commercial development designed by Fitzpatrick and Partners. It is also a centre piece to the precinct renewal taking place within Mount Street and Denison Street.

The development includes the adjoining site of 86 Walker Street, an 1895 heritage listed fire station and home to the Fire House Hotel.

Art Pharmacy were to provide a narrative, strategy and artist suggestions for a large public artwork wrapping around the building base at Spring Street and Little Spring Street. Central to our role was providing a strategic and well considered approach to this highly visible artwork opportunity, incorporating an awareness of legacy, and the unique and hyper-local values within the North Sydney community.

Our narrative explored the historical significance of the site as North Sydney’s first fire station. Interpreting heritage with a contemporary approach to art was central to this strategy, and reflected North Sydney’s art policy pillars: progressive, vibrant, diverse.

It was also important to ensure a local community benefit by:

• Focussing on artists from North Sydney LGA
• Aiming to make a substantial contribution to the immediate art landscape of North Sydney
• Teaming artists up with experienced specialist fabricators where appropriate in order to elevate their practice

We proposed a range of local artists from North Sydney studios and residencies with a range of practices that reflected the unique creative community of precinct. Our strategy also included a process framework, a brief for artists and practical guideline for maintenance, safety and logistics of day/night activation.

The building is due for completion in 2020.

Art Pharmacy is a full service art strategy and culture agency. Our Art Consultants are here to plan, manage and deliver creative projects that culturally enrich spaces and tell interesting stories using high- quality Australian art.