'The BIG HOSE' - Tony Albert & Nell

Tony Albert and Nell’s vision for QAGOMA’s monumental playscape ‘The BIG HOSE’ prioritises children’s learning and celebrates their inquisitive nature.

'The BIG HOSE' - Tony Albert & Nell

IF GOMA WERE A HUGE ‘QUEENSLANDER’, WHAT MIGHT BE IN ITS FRONT YARD?

This was the question posed by collaborating contemporary Australian artists Tony Albert (Brisbane, Girramay/Yidinyji/Kuku Yalanji peoples) and Nell (Sydney), whose winning submission will result in the first permanent artist-led, interactive play sculpture in Queensland’s Cultural Centre.

THEIR ANSWER: THE BIG HOSE!

Tony Albert and Nell’s vision for QAGOMA’s monumental playscape ‘The BIG HOSE’ prioritises children’s learning and celebrates their inquisitive nature. We are so excited to be working with these incredible artists and QAGOMA to realise this landmark play sculpture that will be enjoyed and loved by children and families for generations to come.

The BIG HOSE will extend the offerings of QAGOMA’s internationally renowned Children’s Art Centre to visitors beyond the Gallery’s walls and opening hours. It will permanently transform the forecourt between the GOMA Bistro and the river into a cultural and play-based safe space — a community hub for all ages that will ignite the imagination, and engage the hand, mind and eye.

- Chris Saines Cnzm, Qagoma Director

The 2022 QAGOMA Foundation Appeal invites you to help realise this monumental play sculpture commission — to be located in front of the GOMA Bistro, in the shade of trees with views along the river — that will bring joy to visitors of all ages.

Referencing Queensland vernacular architecture, mindful of breezy verandas and subtropical gardens, this artistic collaboration will reveal nuanced layers of meaning through local histories of First Peoples, migration and art, and is set to join Australia’s list of iconic ‘big’ things: think oversized tourism drawcards such as the Big Pineapple and the Big Banana.

Help QAGOMA bring 'The BIG HOSE' to life!

#Related Articles

Best of Public Art 2021

Best of Public Art 2021

In its sixth iteration, UAP, in collaboration with five influential curators, has surveyed top public art projects of the year, reflecting trends and recurring themes that artists are addressing in different ways and in diverse locations globally.

Five Mile Radius: Build With What You've Got

Five Mile Radius: Build With What You've Got

Living in a world where architecture has minimal impact on the environment through the application of appropriate design, materials and technologies while also ensuring ongoing benefits for future occupants in the form of comfort, wellbeing and energy efficiency has been the lifeblood of Brisbane-based architecture and design studio, Five Mile Radius.

“Oracle,” a 25-foot-tall bronze statue, is one of more than 100 works by Sanford Biggers on display at Rockefeller Center. “It’s the first time we’ve invited an artist to take over the entire campus,” an official of the company that owns the center said.

In New York and More, Public Art Is Taking on Thorny Social Issues

Supported by government programs and private donors, art is proliferating in the public square.