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Friday, 4 July 2014

In a WA first, the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts at The University of Western Australia (UWA) and the City of Subiaco have collaborated to create art in the form of ‘insect hotels’ – structures used to provide a nesting site for insects.

The innovative biodiversity project, which is currently in its design phase, aims to investigate, design, build, install and monitor insect hotels in Subiaco as a way to protect, enhance and monitor wildlife, as well as provide inspired public art opportunities.


As part of first year Visual Arts broadening unit Art in the Environment , UWA students from different degree courses were asked to explore and artistically interpret the form of local insects in the design of monuments or sculptures that will inform the future development of the insect hotels.


Local artist and adjunct lecturer at UWA, Stephanie Reisch, said the initiative has excited the imagination of the students, who were required to employ creative problem-solving techniques to build models that were inspired by local biodiversity. Ms Reisch said: “This was a perfect opportunity for students to learn that with making art comes real responsibility, particularly in the area of public art, which plays such a pivotal role in activating and revitalising the connections between people and their environment.”


City of Subiaco Mayor Heather Henderson presented awards for outstanding designs at the opening night of the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts’ Mid Year Exhibition at the Cullity Gallery on Friday 20 June.


Mayor Henderson said she was amazed at the students’ ability to adapt the concept of insect habitats into an art form.
“There was such a diverse range of interpretations. Some of the designs were made of wood, some steel and others plastic. I was surprised to find out that many of the students are not even studying art, as they are all so talented.”


The overall winner, Timothy Delaney, has also been invited to participate in an internship with the city, to assist with moving the project through its next stages.

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Laura Radovan | Marketing and Communications Officer - Faculty | +61 (0)8 6488 1859

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