Artlab Australia was engaged by City of Salisbury, South Australia to condition assess  thirty-six public artworks to check their stability, appearance and to identify any  potential risks.

The diverse selection of artworks range in size, form and material and include fence art, plaques, sculptures and memorials, time capsules and water features.

An integral part of assessing public art is to determine the creator of the work and in some cases, this information is not readily available. This project included comprehensive research to identify unknown artists and makers which involved searching for clues on site close to the work, and even finding elements missing from the artwork itself.

The works of art are located across the City of Salisbury and appear in contrasting environments such as a playground; a formal garden of remembrance and even, the middle of a lake, which required boat access to examine a sculpture!

The conservator’s examination included documenting the structural and physical appearance of each artwork. Artists, fabricators and designers were noted and the original colour palettes, forms and fixings used in the creation of artworks were recorded. The condition of each artwork was rated according to necessity of urgent conservation care with recommendations of treatment options. A bespoke maintenance plan was also drawn up for each work so the council can refer to the document in future planning.

The completed condition assessment presented to the City of Salisbury provides the council with information to assist with asset management program budgeting and with the ongoing care of their artworks in public spaces.

Abby Maxwell-Bowen, Conservation Project Manager examining Kangaroo, Ibis and Emu steel sculptures steel sculptures in Kaurna Park Wetlands, Burton, South Australia, City of Salisbury

Assessing the condition of the Artistic Fence - Drawn Place, Drawn Space, Artist:Leslie Matthews;  Mawson Lakes School, Mawson Lakes, South Australia; City of Salisbury

Identifying colour palettes of Balancing Act, Artist: Marijana Tadic; Mobara Park, Mawson Lakes, South Australia; City of Salisbury

Recording artwork made by Jam Factory’s metal studio on playground fence at the Burton Park Playground, Burton, South Australia; City of Salisbury

Checking the stability and security of fixing fixtures of the fence at the Burton Park Playground, Burton, South Australia; City of Salisbury

Assessing Nakayoshi, Artist: Kogen Sato; Mobara Park, Mawson Lakes, South Australia; City of Salisbury

Ascension; Artists: Hussein Valamanesh and Craig Andrae; sculpture at Mawson Lakes Promenade, Mawson Lakes, South Australia; City of Salisbury