“Storylines creates an extended narrative of place by embracing heritage, recognising the contemporary, imagining things as they might be, catalysing the future.”

– Curatorial Theme for Sydney Metro City & Southwest Public Art 

In 2017 Cultural Capital delivered the Sydney Metro City and Southwest Public Art Masterplan to Transport for NSW.

This complex undertaking for Australia’s largest transport infrastructure project pioneered new ground in NSW. Cultural Capital’s masterplan demonstrated how art in transport infrastructure can serve as cultural connective tissue: enriching communities, generating identity and stimulating economic development.

The comprehensive document set out a methodology to enable every aspect of the program’s delivery. It encompassed curatorial strategy which identified the main theme of ‘Storylines’ for the City and Southwest Metro lines, as well as comprehensive procurement methodology, project governance, artist management, partnership strategy, site analysis and stakeholder engagement.

The masterplan aimed to elevate Sydney’s place as a global city and deliver a legacy to the people of NSW that would go on giving for decades; creating identity, delighting citizens, increasing well-being, attracting visitors, enlivening public domain and generating financial benefits.

The resulting artworks in the program by some of Australia’s leading contemporary artists demonstrate how effective, visionary public art masterplans enable best practice outcomes and establish a cultural legacy for decades to come.

Explore the art program here. 

Images courtesy of Transport for NSW.