Latest news with #CouncilHouse
Perth Now
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Perth joins only six other cities to get their own spaceman
A 7-metre tall graffiti-covered spaceman has touched down in Perth and is being prepared for installation out the front of the City of Perth's Council House. Perth will join only six other cities across the globe to have their very own personalised BOONJI Spaceman, which was made exclusively for the city by contemporary artist Brendan Murphy. 'BOONJI Spaceman sculptures are each uniquely crafted to reflect their setting, and the Perth installation is no exception — this work stands alone in its design and intent, created to inspire wonder, spark imagination, and enrich the cultural fabric of the city with a symbol of limitless potential,' Murphy said. Your local paper, whenever you want it. He has donated the statue to the city, which has budgeted $250,000 for its transportation and installation. Brendan Murphy standing next to another one of his Spaceman sculptures. Credit: Jaramay Aref Photography The installation comes just in time for Murphy's 'blockbuster' Australian solo exhibition set to hit Perth at the end of May. The 'larger than life' sculpture titled Lightening will be unveiled to the public in May just ahead of the exhibition's opening. The exhibition will be held at Gullotti Galleries in Cottesloe and will showcase more than 45 artworks including sculptures and paintings, with Murphy travelling to Perth from his studio in Florida to add finishing touches and to meet art lovers. The Life Is Electric exhibition will feature a range of large sculptures, including A Step Forward, The Sitting Spaceman, The Thinking Spaceman, The Dancing Spaceman and Loolee Bear. One of Murphy's collectables - Loolee Bear. Credit: Devahasdin Gullotti Galleries founder and director Paul Gullotti said BOONJI was a gift for all West Australians. 'Once it is unveiled it belongs to the people. This incredible sculpture has been custom-made for Perth and truly reflects my passion to provide West Australians access to inspiring and talented global artists and I hope it ignites artistic passion in people of all ages,' he said. 'I can't wait to welcome Brendan here as I have done with other talented and inspirational global artists like Mr Brainwash, Russel Young, Robert Mars and David Uessum. 'It will give the people of Perth a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the artist and his accompanying Life Is Electric exhibition offers people the chance to secure a piece of something that is entrenched in Perth's history.' The BOONJI Spaceman will be at the Stirling Gardens for 12 months before moving to its forever home, which is still yet to be confirmed by the City of Perth. Murphy's art can be found in museums and galleries across the world, with notable collectors being Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Larry Page, Warren Buffett, Ryan Gosling and Grant Cardone. The Spaceman will be replacing 'Ore Obelisk', was also known as the 'Kebab', which stood out the front of Council House for almost 50 years but was removed in 2021 due to safety reasons, which caused significant outcries from residents. The removal of Ore Obelisk in 2021. Credit: City of Perth A peaceful protest picnic calling on the City of Perth to reinstate the Ore Obelisk and 'protect art legacy' is planned at the Stirling Gardens between from 11am to 1pm on Friday, May 9. Life is Electric will be open to the public for eight weeks from May 23.
ITV News
23-04-2025
- General
- ITV News
St George's Day: The Midlands celebrates the patron saint of England
St George's Day celebrations have been taking place across the region, to celebrate the patron saint of England. In Nottingham, the day was marked with what's considered to be the biggest England flag in the country, outside the Council House in Market Square. The flag measures sixty by thirty feet. A celebration was also held at one of the city's oldest pubs, Ye Olde Salutation Inn, which is thought to date back to around 1240. The Royal Society of St George held their annual party with flags, music and bunting on display, as part of the day's events to mark English history, culture and heritage. The 23rd April is the anniversary of St George's death. Even though St George never stepped foot on English soil, history says he heroically ended up slaying a dragon, and rescued a princess from being eaten. And in their gratitude, the people of the town converted to Christianity. St George is England's patron saint, and is shared with other places like Ethiopia, Catalonia, Aragon, Bulgaria, Russia and Portugal. "We feel a bit afraid to be proud - we shouldn't be" People celebrating St George's Day in Nottingham shared their views about celebrating the patron saint. England faces a 'never-ending fight for our flag and values', Starmer warns Elsewhere, students across the region dressed up to mark the day. Little Trinity Nursery in Kidderminster painted shields and swords adorned with the English flag. Nursery Manager Gaynor Carter said: 'The children were incredibly imaginative, and it was wonderful to see them engage with the story of St George. 'Celebrating this day allowed us to participate in a national tradition and instil a sense of pride and history in the little ones.' Meanwhile visitors at Oak House Museum in West Bromwich dressed up for the occasion. And later tonight (23rd April), the exterior façade of the Library of Birmingham will be lit up red and white to mark St. George's Day.
