The search is on to find St George and the Dragon to take on St George’s Terrace and to challenge Perth commuters!

If not literally, then artistically.

On Friday 11 July, Dr John Shepherd, the Dean of Perth will put out a call to artists from WA, across Australia and from around the world to create a public artwork in response to the neo Gothic Cathedral to complete the restoration of the heritage precinct.

’We are looking for artists to use their imaginations and energy to create something really worthwhile for the grounds of St George’s Cathedral’, said Dr John Shepherd.

The commission will be a significant public artwork, and will be made possible by the generosity of private donors through the St George’s Cathedral Foundation for the Arts.

Mark Creasy, a major donor to the Foundation said ‘I think the Cathedral deserves a grand St George in keeping with the building’.

’The Council and I very excited about the potential of an interpretive piece to commemorate St George and the Dragon … I encourage artists to be as creative as possible’, said Ms Lisa Scaffidi, the Lord Mayor of Perth.

There will be a competitive process to choose the perfect artwork that will not only be a contemporary representation of the legend but will be a great attraction for visitors to the city and to the revitalised heritage heart of the city.

’By opening the process up to submissions online we are hoping to attract a broad range of challenging and original ideas,‘ the Dean said.

The website (www.sculptureproject.org.au) will be the hub of activity where design concepts will be submitted and will be open to public viewing – the people of Perth will have the opportunity to say which one they think should be a finalist in the selection of the final design.

The search will be on with the launch of the project at St George’s Cathedral at 11.00 am on Friday 11 July.

Contact: Jo Malone
Interviews/Photos: Dr John Shepherd and Mark Creasy
Mob: 0412 590 555
Email: jo.malone@perthcathedral.org