Sustainable Sydney 2030 Exhibition Takes Shape

MEDIA RELEASE
CITY OF SYDNEY

Monday 14 April 2008

Sustainable Sydney 2030 Exhibition Takes Shape

A six-metre cage imprisoning three large trees is being installed on the forecourt of Customs House at Circular Quay today as part of an exhibition of the City of Sydney's Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision.

The environmental art work `Silent Escape' by Sydney artist Alex Kosmas was a category winner at last year's Sculpture by the Sea exhibition.

The 6m x 4m x 4m cage is designed to capture Sydneysiders' imagination about the need for a sustainable Sydney in 2030 and entice them into the Customs House exhibition which commences on Thursday 17 April.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said: "Silent Escape is a powerful artwork representing the fine balance between nature and human-kind. Sustainable Sydney 2030 proposes a vision for the future to ensure we get this balance right and make Sydney more sustainable, liveable and easier to get around.

"I encourage everybody interested in the future of our City to visit the exhibition which opens on Thursday and have your say about the future," Ms Moore said.

Customs House forecourt will feature seven trees in total three 6m Sydney Red Gums will be caged, while two Eucalypts and two Weeping Lilly Pillies will be installed separately. All trees will be watered using captured rainwater and the trees planted in Sydney parks following the six-week exhibition.

Even the entrance to Customs House will feature a vertical green garden complete with plants, flowers and shrubs to create visual, green gateway to the exhibition.

Kosmas says the artwork fits well with the City's Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision because it's about taking control of our future and having a voice.

"Silent Escape, tries to encapsulate human kind's attempt to harness, even control, the processes of nature, in the service of pure self interest. Conversely, the sculpture shows nature's capability to adapt to this onslaught by a quiet power to expand its domain between and beyond the confines of the bars. "Should we ignore the effects of our continuing exploitation, then perhaps we shall be too late to recognise the creation of our own prison. We have a responsibility to our children's children. Everybody is responsible for making our city better. Whether it's switching off lights, recycling or conserving water," says Kosmas.
Inside the exhibition, visitors can learn more about the City's Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision which includes 3D animations, informative panels and multimedia about removing the Cahill Expressway, burying the western distributor, creating a new park at Darling Harbour, removing vehicles from George St and installing generators to provide electricity, heat and cooling using co-generation technology. The art-work will remain at Customs House for the entire 2030 exhibition period, from April 17-May 31.


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SOURCE: City of Sydney