Off the wall mural nod

KINGSTON will be the site of South Australia’s first augmented reality artwork, with viewers able to use their phone to convert the mural into a three-dimensional animation.

A colourful interactive mural will decorate the external wall of the Kingston Electrical and Renovator Centre after councillors gave the project the green light.

Adelaide-based artist Sarah Boese will complete the maritime and Indigenous inspired work, with the key feature being the blue crane.

The bird is a local Indigenous totem and can be seen leading the way and is accompanied with kite elements which provide a playful element.

The wall will be brought to life with visitors encouraged to scan the mural through an augmented reality app, which will superimpose an animation on the artwork.

Kingston District Council chief executive Nat Traeger said the aim of the project was to create a captivating and interactive artwork that celebrates the culture and identity of council, encourages visitors to stop and enjoy the art experience and engages the community in art and storytelling.

She said the location was chosen due to its expand of white wall, prominent visual location, good access and little pre-site preparation.

“The development of mural artworks within the Kingston Town Centre was identified a key project in this framework, with a focus on creating iconic works with a significant point of difference,” Ms Traeger said.

“The artist attended Kingston in October to undertake engagement sessions with council staff, elected members, community members, arts enthusiasts and students from the Kingston Community School.

“Participation at the engagement sessions, which were held over two days, was robust and enthusiastic.

“Participants in the engagement sessions are then invited to attend a meeting with the artists to review the three concepts that were developed in accordance with the artists brief for the project.

“A final design was chosen at the meeting, with some suggested adjustments which have subsequently been made and are included as the final design for the project.

The $30,000 project has been funded through the Federal Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program and is expected to be complete next month.