The GASP boardwalk was officially opened on Monday October 3, 2011 by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Senator Carol Brown and Mayor Adriana Taylor. The event was attended by 100 community stakeholders and officials with the Prime Minister cutting the ribbon and making an empassioned speech in regard to the importance of socially regenerative projects and the uniqueness of GASP!
GASP continues to capitalise on the economic and regional development flowing from the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) following the Australian Government’s announcement of a further $2.32 million in funding for the final link in the GASP infrastructure at Elwick Bay. The completed project would see the pathway extended to a total of 4.7km to create a landmark art trail connecting Wilkinson’s Point to MONA. Along the path there will be diverse points of interest, as well as open spaces suitable for events and community activities.
Construction of the second stage of the GASP links is scheduled to begin in 2012 and be completed by the end of 2013.
Internationally renowned Turner Prize winning sound artist, Susan Philipsz, has just undertaken an exploratory site visit at GASP! Susan commented on the beauty of the site and the feeling of being connected to the water and surrounding views. We’ll keep you posted.
The Glenorchy City Council commissioned Room 11 to design the striking coloured GASP boardwalk and new pavilions at the Grove and Littlejohn Creek. All the works are now almost complete, just slightly delayed because of the new Southern Water pipe going in. The designs were the result of a competition.
The Tasmanian State Architect said “The new boardwalk recently installed at Elwick Bay is a strong and elegant gesture amplifying and accentuating the natural beauty of the place. The boardwalk provides us with a unique experience of the bay from the water and a series of stunning views and vistas to the enveloping landscape. This is a piece of infrastructure showcasing contemporary, young design which will resonate with the local community. The boardwalk forms the ‘backbone’ of the Glenorchy Art and Sculpture Park and brings together quality design and infrastructure requirements. This strong design emphasis will enhance GASP as a place showcasing art and creativity in a natural setting and become a destination for community and visitors alike.”
Andrew Ashton from Studio Pip & Co has been commissioned to undertake the GASP! way-finding and interpretation on site. The first stage will be unveiled at the end of September 2011. Andrew is bring a strong connection between the existing uses of the bay area and his cohesive set of signs on vertical and horizontal surfaces will link the whole site from Montrose Bay to Wilkinson’s Point. His light touch leaves room for the imagination and the art to do the talking.
Tasmanian artist James Newitt seceded as a personal project to a self-made island off the edge of Montrose Bay for 2 weeks during October 2011. James’ project ‘My Secession Party’ curated by David Cross was part of the Iteration:Again exhibition and attracted a lot of attention from park regulars.