Page 2046 - Week 07 - Thursday, 24 June 2021
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has been working closely with local artists to have artworks and murals painted in suburbs throughout the city. With the Surface festival adding new and exciting pieces of art to our public realm we anticipate that there will be diversity of themes and subjects in the artworks, including portraits.
While the festival will be focused on Braddon and Civic, certain feature pieces will also appear in Canberra’s suburbs, with more information to come in the lead-up to the festival. An expression-of-interest process was held to identify participants, which closed on 18 June. I am told that an impressive number of local and interstate artists have put their hands up to take part. In addition to undertaking the painting of the artworks, there are opportunities available to host workshops, panel talks, exhibitions and Covid-safe tours of the artworks for the community. We will soon be announcing the full range of artists and other community members who will be helping this festival come together.
DR PATERSON: Minister, how will the festival support local businesses?
MR STEEL: I thank Dr Paterson for her supplementary question. With new and vibrant art works to be painted, the festival will enliven our streets and laneways across Civic and Braddon. The importance of festivals like these for our community—in particular for small businesses—was outlined by the festival director Tim Phibs who, to paraphrase, stated, “Festivals make a positive economic contribution to communities by enhancing areas and creating social destinations.”
Having at least 15 dynamic and colourful artworks created in the heart of our city will lead to an increase in foot traffic and attract more people to the city centre and Braddon. This event is also a direct investment to support local artists and support the production of the festival—all of which benefits our Canberra economy and helps to create jobs. With these paintings here to stay, the impact of the Surface festival will be felt long after November of this year, and will become yet another drawcard for visitors to our vibrant city.
Mr Barr: Further questions can be placed on the notice paper.
MADAM SPEAKER: Before I do call ministers for matters arising from question time, I will just remind members the rules for asking questions. Standing order 117 states that questions shall not contain inferences, imputations or ironical expressions. I note that Mr Cain and Mrs Kikkert have had a few borderline questions this week, so just be aware that, when we return in August, I will be paying some close attention to that standing order.
Supplementary answers to questions without notice
Environment—single-use plastics
MR STEEL: Earlier in question time Mr Parton asked me a question in relation to compostable or biodegradable plastics and whether they are included in the Plastic Reduction Bill and the phase-out from 1 July. I present the following paper:
Cleaning up our ACT: Single-use plastics ban—ACT Government leaflet and flyer.
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