07 Nov 2023
A JackJumping TasWater art project
TasWater has unveiled the latest masterpiece in its Asset Artwork Program, a 230 square meter piece that heroes the Tasmanian JackJumpers mascot Jack, just a few hundred metres from his spiritual home at Mystate Bank Arena.
TasWater’s Asset Artwork Program partners with artists and communities to turn physical assets into vibrant canvases that brighten their surroundings.
The pump station at the front of the MyState Bank Arena in Glenorchy is the 24th asset comppleted across the state. The new JackJumpers livery now finished, and fans will get to lay eyes on it at the next home game there on 2 December.
“TasWater infrastructure is an integral part of us being able to deliver water and sewerage services around Tasmania and unfortunately some assets fall victim to vandalism, impacting visual amenity in communities across the state,” said TasWater Chief Executive Officer George Theo.
“Today is another great example of working in partnership with artists and communities to deliver iconic pieces of art where previously slabs of bland steel and concrete stood.
“The TasWater Asset Artwork Program is making a lasting, positive impact. These murals will not just be paintings on structures but testaments to the power of community, art, pride, and transformation. They also deliver a tangible benefit to our customers as the pieces have proven to be less likely to be graffitied, meaning a meaningful reduction in costs for ongoing maintenance.
“We recently unveiled pieces in Bellerive and Avoca, and prior to 2023 we also transformed assets at Kingston and West Moonah.
“TasWater is committed to delivering these benefits throughout Tasmania and will be rolling the Asset Artwork Program out further across the state in the coming year,” George said.
The mural is by Tasmanian artist Trent Fischer who has also contributed to murals at Kingston and West Moonah for TasWater in the past.
For context, Trent and 9 other artists completed the mural at Kingston in 8 days. In just 14 days at Elwick, in all Spring weather conditions, rain, hail and wind, Trent completed the 230 square meter canvas as a solo artist, the largest work he has ever undertaken.
“I’m honoured to have been a part of this project,” Trent said.
“It is the largest project I’ve ever painted which was a bit scary, but I am happy with how it has turned out. I wanted to make it fun for the kids with some 90’s references for the adults.”
TasWater takes community engagement seriously. The Asset Artwork Program invites members of the community to suggest assets with high visibility for beautifying, both for the enjoyment of residents and passers-by.
The public are empowered to take an active role in shaping their surroundings and can apply on the TasWater website with suggestions for sites to transform their local area.
Pictured L-R: Artist Trent Fischer, Jack the Jumper, JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan, Glenorchy Mayor Bec Thomas, with TasWater CEO George Theo.
Click here for more information about the TasWater Asset Artwork Program