Public Art Curation & Consultation
Public Art - Curation · Planning · Project Management · Preservation and Maintenance. Blue Sky View is an independent public art consultancy and curatorial studio. We specialise in curating, planning, and delivering culturally significant and future-focused public art programs across civic, commercial, tourism, health, and transport environments. Our studio collaborates with national and international artists, designers, producers, architects, conservators and technical consultants to realise high-quality, context-specific creative outcomes.
At Blue Sky View, we believe that effective public art is a dynamic connector, linking place, people, and purpose. Our curatorial philosophy is grounded in collaboration, innovation, and sensitivity to site and story. We work to transform spaces into destinations by embedding meaningful artistic experiences that reflect cultural identity, enhance emotional engagement, and generate long-term value.
Hundred Senses Public Art Program
Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong
The Hundred Senses Public Art Program at Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong, is an ambitious cultural initiative designed to enrich visitor experiences through engaging and immersive contemporary artworks. The program emphasises sensory interaction and site-specific commissions that reflect Kai Tak’s unique heritage, local identity, and vibrant community spirit. By seamlessly integrating diverse artistic practices within the precinct's architecture and landscapes, the Hundred Senses program transforms the sports park into an iconic cultural landmark, fostering meaningful connections between art, audience, and the surrounding urban environment.
As public art consultant, John Waldron / Blue Sky View’s role involved strategic planning, artist selection, curation, and overseeing artwork integration from concept through commissioning. Leveraging extensive experience in public art programs, Blue Sky View ensured that the commissions enhanced public engagement and delivered lasting cultural value to Hong Kong’s premier sporting and entertainment destination.
Blue Sky View worked alongside the talented Populous and Kai Tak Sports Park Art Team to develop the Hundred Senses program
Image: The Transmission (2025), David Mesguich, Arrival Marker - Hundred Senses Public Art Program, Kia Tak Sports Park (KTSP)
Collection Valuation and Needs Assessment (2024)
City of Gold Coast Public Art Collection
Blue Sky View has been contracted by the City of Gold Coast to undertake a valuation and needs assessment for the City’s public art collection.
The City of Gold Coast has a collection of approximately 200 public artworks that have been acquired throughout the lifetime of the Council. The Public Art Plan 2021 identified the need to document, manage and review the collection to date, to create a publicly available database of public art for the City.
Blue Sky View has teamed up with John Walsh from All Art Services for the project. As an accredited art valuer John will complete the valuation component.
Image: Stuart Green, All eyes on us, The Commonwealth Star (2018). Image courtesy City of Gold Coast
Poinsettia Riverfire (2016)
by Luke Roberts, Emma Miller Place, Brisbane City Council Public Art Collection
For a period of 18 months, Blue Sky View worked with the BCC team, and several lighting engineers, fabricators and electricians to refurbish Poinsettia Riverfire. This project involved the tricky removal of the sculpture (due to the slopping site), disassembly, blasting and powder coating of all painted components and a redesign and rebuild of the dynamic LED lighting.
The refurbishment was a slow process that required meticulous care for all involved. The project included drawing 600m of cable for the lights. On re-installation the final result is stunning!
Blue Sky View (project management / conservation lead); Digilin @digilin, (lighting design / controllers / fabrication / commissioning); Brisbane Blasting Services (lift / disassembly / blasting / repaint / re-installation); and Steve Taylor & Co Electrix (Electrical works).
The project has been made possible through BCC’s Public Art Maintenance Program Photographs courtesy Dave Kan Photography for BCC
OPTO (2011)
by Phil Price, Redcliffe Foreshore, Redcliffe Parade, Moreton Bay Regional Council
BSV is managing a two phased project to deinstall the artwork and inspect (offsite) and report on the maintenance and dilapidation of OPTO, an 8.5m tall kinetic sculpture.
Crafted Fabrications are the technical team involved with the lift, inspection and storage.
Sunshine Coast public art collection - Audit (2020)
The Sunshine Coast Council engaged Blue Sky View to undertake an audit and condition assessment of the permanent public artworks held in the Sunshine Coast Public Art Collection. The artworks, located throughout the council region, were installed between 1992 - 2020. The Collection comprises 170 artworks (with 260 parts ) including 3 balustrades, 2 decorative panels, 10 mosaics, 33 murals, 19 pathway 1 features, 115 sculptures, and 9 forms of seating.
Each artwork is unique in form, scale, materials and fabrication. They are subjected to diverse and at times harsh environmental conditions, including in coastal, urban and bushland settings each various levels of interaction by the public.
Image: George Rose, Detail Looking Glass Fish in the Deep Hue Sea, (2018), Augmented reality mural artwork, Caloundra
Public Art Collection Maintenance
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL (BCC), Dec 2021 - Dec 2024 (+ 1 year)
BCC’s public art collection comprises a diverse mix of artworks ranging from traditional bronze sculptures to contemporary works with digital lighting programs. The majority of the artworks are major art commissions by prominent Australians and are rated as having high artistic, social, cultural or heritage significance. The $25 million collection comprises 193 artworks (with 480 parts).
BSV will provide a layered maintenance approach that includes; Cleaning and Inspection; Planned Maintenance; Specialist Inspections and Maintenance.
BSV will provide a 2-monthly report on the condition of the collection and the tasks undertaken to be added the BCC’s Vernon Collection Management System (CMS).
Public Art maintenance trial
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL (BCC) November 2019 - June 2020
Blue Sky View has been contracted by BCC to deliver a Maintenance Trial for the City’s collection of public art.
BCC’s public art collection comprises a diverse mix of artworks ranging from traditional bronze sculptures to contemporary works with digital lighting programs. The majority of the artworks are major art commissions by prominent Australians and are rated as having high artistic, social, cultural or heritage significance. The $25 million collection comprises 193 artworks (with 480 parts).
Blue Sky View will provide a layered maintenance approach that includes; Cleaning and Inspection; Planned Maintenance; Specialist Inspections and Maintenance.
Blue Sky View will provide a 2-month report on the condition of the collection and the tasks undertaken to be added the BCC’s Vernon Collection Management System (CMS).
emblem by Geoffrey Ricardo (2015)
MAINTENANCE AND CONSERVATION PROJECT - DECEMBER 2019
Brisbane City Council Public Art Collection - PA No: PA 692
Location: Corner Roma and George Streets, BRISBANE 4000
Following the April 2019 Condition Assessment for Emblem, prepared by Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, Council engaged Blue Sky View for the following scope of maintenance and conservation works:
Surface-clean the structure to removed dirt particulate, bird excrement and superficial copper corrosion products;
Consult with the artist to assess the desired approach to mitigate the ageing of the artwork - maintain the blue-green corrosion product and permit this process to continue organically; and
Reapply a red paint coating system formulated with superior resistance to outdoor conditions, including UV radiation and water .
Located at a difficult site, on a traffic island in the CBD, Blue Sky View developed a plan using steel scaffolding that did not require any road closures.
Condition Assessment - Kirra Eagle
Sea Eagle, 1983 (Kirra Eagle) by artist Craig Medson.
The City of Gold Coast engaged a professional team led by Blue Sky View to assess and report on the structural and artistic integrity of the Kirra Eagle sculpture, located at Kirra Hill Lookout, Garrick St, Coolangatta.
The team included structural engineer Ashley Ruffin, Lambert & Rehbein; metal sculptor/public artist Russell Anderson, artplusdesign; and public art/conservation consultant John Waldron, Blue Sky View.
This Kirra Eagle, Conservation Report provides Council a summary of the assessment findings; the history of the sculpture and artist; a public art condition assessment; a public art significance assessment; a public art maintenance report; and a list of options and recommendations to ensure public safety, and for either the conservation or decommissioning of the sculpture.
The report was prepared in consultation with Council staff and the artist’s family.
Completed: March 2018
treasures of the tweed by david adams
RESTORATION PROJECT - June 2017
Tweed Shire Council Collection
Location: Commercial Street, MURWILLUMBAH
Restoration Work: Provide expert advice for the cleaning and restoration of the Treasures of the Tweed mural; prepare a Safe Work Method Statement and Environmental Management Plan for approval by TSC; Following consultation undertake the cleaning (H2O pressure clean) process for Treasures of the Tweed mural.; Following consultation undertake the painting restoration process for Treasures of the Tweed mural.
The mural runs along the levee wall. A length of approximately 560 meters was restored.
Morning Star II by Jon Barlow Hudson (1988)
CONSERVATION PROJECT - June to September 2018
Brisbane City Council Public Art Collection - PA No: PA 231
Location: City Botanic Gardens, Alice Street, BRISBANE
Conservation Work: Stage 1: Project investigation / consultation / liaise with BCC, engineers and suppliers; Apply for the required permits for the sculpture removal and installation of the plinth at the new site; Coordinate the cleaning and light polish of the sculpture; Oversee the fabrication of the ‘lifting frame’; Coordinate the jacking of the sculpture and fix the lifting frame; Coordinate the removal of the sculpture and relocation to the temporary site within the gardens; Remove the base plate and grind clean the protruding bolts for safety; and Secure / fence the sculpture within the temporary site.
Stage 2: Coordinate the fabrication and installation of the sculpture base plate; Apply for the required permits for the sculpture installation to the new site (including Parks; Street & Paths; and Traffic Management permits); Coordinate the fabrication and installation of a new plinth at the new site.
Stage 3: Construct a purpose built dolly to move the sculpture; Coordinate the sculpture move and installation to the new site; Finalise any landscaping works / liaise with gardens staff; and Prepare a Final Report and finalise the project.
Plant form by robert juniper (1988)
CONSERVATION PROJECT - May 2018
Brisbane City Council Public Art Collection - PA No: PA 232
Location: City Botanic Gardens, River Walk, Alice Street, BRISBANE
Conservation Work: Remove the sculpture from foundation and transport to off-site location.; Abrasive blasting to strip paint system and reveal metal substrate.; Galvanised and powder coated each base plate; Powder coat black each component; Sanded and filled - Raptor matt black was sprayed on site.; Re-install the sculpture on existing concrete foundation with new fixings (painted); and Pressure clean washed the sculpture.
The Rock by Stephen Killick (1988)
CONSERVATION PROJECT - May 2018
Brisbane City Council Public Art Collection - PA No: PA251
Location: Captain Burke Park, Kangaroo Point BRISBANE
Conservation Work: Assess the artwork at height and pressure clean the artwork to remove dirt, biological growth and loss clear coating: Assess the paint system (exterior water-base gloss); Scuff / sand flacking areas; and Matched colours and repaint areas as required.
ShowDown by Chris Beecroft (1989)
CONSERVATION PROJECT - June 2017
Brisbane City Council Public Art Collection - PA No: PA 403
Location: Corner Melaleuca Drive and Bicentennial Road, Boondall, BRISBANE
Conservation Work: Assessed the artwork at height to inspect for corrosion and structural stability; Pressure cleaned the sculpture; Soda Blast the corroded areas; Re coated and stabilised the corroded areas using a tinted Industrial Coating; Repair the cracked concrete with concrete filler and a concrete paint
Surge By Adrian Davis & Lubi Thomas (2007)
CONSERVATION PROJECT - June 2017
Brisbane City Council Public Art Collection - PA No: PA 499
Location: Corner Cliff Street & Flinders Parade, Sandgate, BRISBANE
Conservation Work: Replicated rotted timber sections using recycled Turpentine (Syncarpia Glomulifera) Hardwood; treated rotting and fungal affected wood to ensure that no further timber sections are lost; apply marine grade timber coating to provide protection from moisture; polish stainless steel and replicate missing metal sections.
Beacon, Marion Hoad (1996)
CONSERVATION PROJECT - June 2017
Brisbane City Council Public Art Collection - PA No: PA 432
Location: ‘Lovers’ Walk’ Sandgate/Shorncliffe Foreshore, BRISBANE
Conservation Work: Cleaned artwork; Assessed areas of the work for structural stability and repair cracked welds; Electropolish the stainless steel
Whale Tails by Roman Novak
CONSERVATION PROJECT - June 2017
Brisbane City Council Public Art Collection - PA No: PA 406
Location: ‘Lovers’ Walk’ Sandgate/Shorncliffe Foreshore, BRISBANE
Conservation Work: Removed the Stainless Steel forms for polishing; Electropolished the stainless steel; Treated the timber affected by rot; Reinstated the copper capping and stainless steel forms; Replaced any missing or worn fixtures