Inner West residents embrace Perfect Match
Inner West Council’s public art program, Perfect Match, goes from strength to strength – and is being copied by councils around Australia.
From its first year, when eight property owners and 33 artists registered to be ‘matched’, this year at close of applications this week (28 February), 52 property owners and 70 artists from across the inner west of Sydney had applied to be part of Perfect Match 2017.
Other councils have adopted the idea, including City of Sydney. CoS noted the success of the program, the popularity of the associated walking, cycling and bus tours to showcase the art to residents, and the role Perfect Match plays in graffiti prevention.
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I’m told we get queries every week about the Perfect Match program from Councils wanting to learn about our model,” said Inner West Council Administrator Richard Pearson.
“From small beginnings – although it was wildly popular right from the start – Perfect Match has grown and grown. In three years, property owner applications went from eight, to 26, then 33, and now this year 52 property owners have applied for a piece of public art to adorn their property.
“It’s even more popular with artists. In 2014, when the program began, 33 artists applied. In 2015, that jumped to 44. Last year was 48. This year a massive 70 artists have expressed interest.
“Perfect Match is a media favourite too, with overwhelming positive mentions in the press and online.
“The inner west is Sydney’s spiritual home of street art. It’s very appropriate that this very creative area, which is home to more arts workers per capita than any other council, also conceived Perfect Match – and gave it to the rest of Australia,” Mr Pearson said.
Artists and sites will be shortlisted in mid-March. In April, property owners will see the ideas submitted by artists, who will be confirmed later that month.
In late May, the developed artworks will go through a feedback process, before final design and approval.
During July and August, the artworks will be installed. The Perfect Match weekend of unveilings, tours, and community celebrations will be held between Friday 4 and Sunday 6 August, 2017.
For print quality images of an artwork or artist, contact the Communication team.