Queensland
Central Queensland
Fig Tree Galleries delivers a much-needed artist precinct for a coastal community while retaining and celebrating the significant history on the site. A colourful series of playful screenings invite passers-by to enter. The creative design approach ignites curiosity about the site’s past and inspires interactive action from visitors through the series of playful experiences and signage. Simple, white-painted gallery walls allow the interior to showcase the artwork, highlighted with dimmable track lighting, whilst the raked ceilings accentuate the feeling of space. Fig Tree Galleries is a testament to the broad and meaningful impact that creative arts can bring to a community.
The brightly coloured vertical fins of the new gallery intrigue without dominating. When viewed from a distance you want to move closer and explore. The fins and roof enclose the access ramp, enhancing the streetscape.
The community’s enjoyment of the wonderful gallery space is rewarding. It was particularly satisfying to watch a school excursion group discover the exterior spaces just after opening. They read the signage, learnt about the past significance of the site and used the morse code sculpture.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
