Guest Work Agency Advises Artist Reko Rennie on Public Art Commission in ParRamatta
Guest Work Agency has advised celebrated Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie on a significant public art project in Parramatta, New South Wales.
‘WHERE EELS LIE DOWN’ SCULPTURE
Reko Rennie’s newest public artwork, Where Eels Lie Down, features a 7.5m etched granite, steel and painted aluminium sculpture installed in Parramatta Square.
Rennie describes the artwork as a “…contemporary homage to the eel and the Burramattagal people of the Dhurag Nation in Parramatta. The work features two eels, representing the long association the Burramattagal people have with sustainable farming and their cultural connection to the eel and the Burramatagal Waterway – now known as the Parramatta River.” Rennie hopes that it will be a place for people to come together and share their stories.
The City of Parramatta chose Where Eels Lie Down following a worldwide selection process, in which an independent panel chose from more than 110 submissions, including those from international artists from the US, Japan and Spain. In their statement, City of Parramatta commented, “Public art enriches the community, enhances a sense of place and cements Parramatta as a leading cultural destination and place to be.”
Rennie worked with Urban Art Projects (UAP) and David Hagger to design, fabricate and install the work. To read more about the artwork, including Reko Rennie’s artist statement, visit the City of Parramatta website.
LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED FOR REKO RENNIE’S PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
Guest Work Agency Founder and Director, Alana Kushnir, provided advice on the contractual arrangements involving the design, fabrication and installation of the artwork. Alana explains, “There is no one-size-fits-all commission contract. The development and production of a monumental artwork like Where Eels Lie Down involves multiple stakeholders, each of whom brings their own expertise, skills, and resources to the project. Contracts for public art commissions should always take into account the specific stakeholders involved and the particularities of the design and build, amongst other considerations.”
Guest Work Agency is a boutique art law and advisory firm based in Melbourne, but international in reach. It is the first dedicated art law practice in Australia, working with artists, collectors, galleries, arts organisations, art fairs and art tech start-ups.
For more information contact us at info@guestworkagency.art.