Newcastle City Council responds to 'blokey' mural criticism with diversity policy for public art | POLL

Grant Nickel featured in the Newcastle Herald in May when he questioned the appropriateness of a mural near the Empire Park skate park featuring six white sportsmen – and the message it sent to young women like his daughter, Grace.

“There are no girls, no indigenous Australians, no Australians of different ethnic backgrounds, no people with disabilities,” Mr Nickel said, calling on council to “hold a mirror up” and re-evaluate its guidelines. 

The council has taken heed, supporting at its last meeting a motion by Greens councillor Therese Doyle to ensure “greater diversity” in council-commissioned artworks.

While some councillors voiced concerns about “stifling” artists’ creativity by becoming too proscriptive, Cr Doyle said the policy would serve only as a guideline. It was resolved that council’s public art committee be involved in its application.