New artwork for Veterans Park

ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher today launched Longitude, a new permanent public artwork by Matthew Harding located in Veterans Park, Civic.

"I am really pleased today to be able to welcome Longitude to Veterans Park, which has been created with the involvement of the local Veterans community and service groups, the Chief Minister said.

"The figurative imagery conveys the emotional separation experienced by service personnel and their families during periods of active duty, and I hope it will forever hold particular meaning for them.

"This is an important addition to our community owned art collection. It demonstrates the role public art brings to improving the amenity of our high quality public spaces and places, for all to enjoy, the Chief Minister said.

The artwork was carved by hand from a single piece of Harcourt granite from Mt Alexander, Victoria.

"Few sculpture projects of this scale have been undertaken in Australia since early last century as the necessary skills and stamina for such an undertaking is rare. It has taken time and a great deal of skill and sustained effort by Mr Harding to produce," the Chief Minister said.

Matthew Harding has a number of artworks in our public art collection, including the popular stainless steel Cushion in Garema Place and the delightful bronze Casuarina Pods in City Walk. Longitude is the first stone carving he has completed for Canberra.

"Veterans Park is a very important green space in the city. With the installation of Longitude, the park has become a more interesting place to visit. I hope others also feel that it enhances the space, and fits nicely with the existing memorials in the park," the Chief Minister concluded.

Veterans Park is scheduled for refurbishment in May and due for completion in November this year.