Fishing scene proposed for Murray Bridge silo artwork

Artist Sam “Smug” Bates suggests a mural of a father and daughter by the River Murray would be ideal. What do you think?

This is not what the mural will look like, but we had to put some kind of picture on this story. Photo: Louise Beaumont/Getty Images.

An image of a father and daughter fishing on the River Murray is the front-runner to be painted on Murray Bridge’s silos.

Artist Sam “Smug” Bates has not produced a concept image of the artwork he’s proposing to paint in the coming months, tentatively called A Moment on the Murray.

It is not expected to look anything like the photo attached to this story.

But council staff have distilled community surveys, children's drawings and feedback from a workshop into an idea about the things that should be included in the mural.

As well as an older man and a young girl fishing, the mural would also feature:

• River birds, suggesting Ngarrindjeri totems

• The image of a head of grain on the girl's clothing, suggesting the region's agricultural history

• Cattle swimming across the river, suggesting the colonial history of Edwards' Crossing

• Images of the bridge and historic scenes in the background

What do you think?

You’ve got until April 12 to let the council know.

The mural on Murray Bridge’s silos will be visible for miles around. Photo: Rural City of Murray Bridge.

Council spokeswoman Kristen Manson hoped the current public consultation would produce the same great response as previous rounds.

Silo artworks in other towns have been shown to attract between 20 and 100 extra visitors per day, according to the council.

• More information, have your say: Visit letstalk.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/silo-art-your-thoughts-copy and fill in the survey before April 12.

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