What’s happening with Murray Bridge’s silo art project?

Outgoing council CEO Michael Sedgman explains the delays in the long-awaited silo art project.

Locals support locals – that’s why this recent post is now free to read. Your support can help Murray Bridge News tell important local stories. Subscribe today.

The Viterra silos in Murray Bridge are still looking decidedly un-arty. Photo: RCMB.

With the artist chosen to do the Murray Bridge silo artwork recently completing silo art in Victoria, the question is: what’s happening with the local project?

Sam Bates, AKA Smug, is an Australian artist, based in Scotland, who has created large-scale photorealistic murals internationally.

He recently created an impressive silo artwork in Murtoa, Victoria.

But there’s been no visible progress on the Murray Bridge silo art project, located on the Viterra silos on Railway Terrace.

Murray Bridge council CEO Michael Sedgman explained why.

“There has been an issue with the landowner approvals, which is essentially a matter between Viterra and the Department for Infastructure and Transport,” he said.

“We’re currently working with all parties to see if we can negotiate a resolution that would enable us to procede with what is a finalised artist’s concept.”

An example of artist Sam “Smug” Bates’ artwork, recently completed on silos in Murtoa, western Victoria. Photo: Australian Street Art Awards/Facebook.

In terms of expected timelines, Mr Sedgman said that he was not in a position to comment.

However, he wasn’t concerned about the funding for the project.

“The costs aren’t an issue,” he said.

“It’s a funded project, but it’s about the necessary approvals to enable the artwork to procede.

“Our capital program includes a program for $187k, and at this stage we’re experiencing a delay, but we’re working hard with all parties to cut through and see if we can get a solution.

“We’re negotiating to retain the funds until such time as we can get a start date.”

Mr Sedgman said that the project needed to work around Smug’s availability but stressed that “council’s committed to the the delivery of this project as part of a public art trail”.

Smug’s concept for the Murray Bridge silo art is called A Moment on the Murray and will depict a father/grandfather and daughter/granddaughter fishing on the river, along with the bridge, plus river birds and wildlife that honour Ngarrindjeri totems.

• Read more: Fishing scene proposed for Murray Bridge silo artwork