An art exhibition that aims to showcase the creative side of the state’s town planning professionals is under way at Brookfield Place.
An art exhibition that aims to showcase the creative side of the state’s town planning professionals is under way at Brookfield Place.
‘Painting the Town 2’ is the second exhibition created by professionals in Western Australia’s town planning industry. Thee inaugural event was held in 2007, when Perth last hosted the Planning Institute of Australia’s National Congress.
The 2018 three-day national congress opened at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre today, with the exhibition taking place in the neighbouring foyer of Brookfield Place Tower 1 at 125 St Georges Terrace.
The collection features more than 50 pieces including paintings, photography and a decorated surfboard, presenting a range of streetscapes, portraiture, landscapes and contemporary abstract artwork.
Works were chosen by award-winning visual artist and curator Judy Rogers, and the exhibition was coordinated by urban consultancy Roberts Day senior associate Peter Ciemitis.
“We see this exhibition as a bridge,” Mr Ciemitis told Business News.
“The planning profession engages every day with stakeholders and the community on an-issues based, professional level.
“This exhibition is another form of link with the community … a very human one.
“It (was) also intended to provide a mirror to the profession itself, reminding and reaffirming our inherent competency and creativity in all things spatial and visual.”
Mr Ciemitis said the planning sector hoped the exhibition would demonstrate Perth's and WA's cultural maturity to the 700 delegates of the national congress.
“We wanted to break down stereotypes,” he said.
“The institute is confident that the planning profession already has a respected and honoured role in the wider community. The exhibition adds another dimension to this perception.”
Mr Ciemitis is also one of 26 artists and planning professionals exhibiting, with other contributors including Roberts Day partner Deon White, Mackay Urbandesign founder Malcolm Macka, and former Planning Institute president Ralph Stanton.
Painting the Town 2 is sponsored by Golden Group, Plan-E Landscape Architecture, Civic and Legal and Woodsome Project Management.
The exhibition can be viewed weekdays 8.30am to 6.00pm and culminates May 18.
Some of the participating exhibitors. Photo: Jillian Ciemitis
