Queensland Rail’s Pillars Project: Art & Community Engagement

Queensland Rail Celebrates the Culmination of “The Pillars Project” with Final Merivale Bridge Mural

For over a decade, Queensland Rail (QR) has been transforming the mundane into the magnificent. Now, the organization celebrates the completion of “The Pillars Project,” its ambitious initiative to convert the concrete pillars of the Merivale Bridge in South Brisbane into a dynamic outdoor art gallery. This final installment, unveiled in recent weeks, marks the culmination of a project that began in 2014, commissioning leading Australian artists to paint a series of vibrant murals along the bridge’s supports. The project, situated in the heart of South Brisbane, offers a unique aesthetic experience for both local residents and visiting tourists. Why this initiative? To beautify infrastructure and foster community pride. How? Through the “Positive pARTnerships” program, QR collaborates with local artists to create public art that celebrates the area’s history and cultural identity. This article will explore the impact and artistic legacy of this project, delving into the artistic process and long-term implications for Queensland Rail’s community engagement strategy.

Artistic Vision Takes Shape

The “Pillars Project” has seen 14 pillars along the Merivale Bridge become canvases for renowned Australian artists. The latest addition, titled “I remember when” and located just off Riverside Drive, is a nostalgic exploration of memory. The artwork is the creation of Sunshine Coast artist Joel Fergie, known as the Zookeeper. The project’s location is significant as the area under Merivale Bridge was historically a gathering place for Indigenous people. QR’s Graffiti Prevention Coordinator, Daniel Brock, explained that the latest mural explores the idea of nostalgia and memory. He explained, “The area under Merivale Bridge was known as a gathering place for Indigenous people and now you’ll often see locals and visitors getting together to take photos or just take in the artwork.”

The Art of the Final Piece: “I remember when”

Joel Fergie’s mural, “I remember when,” depicts the artist’s father, a local West End school teacher, holding his daughter, retelling a dramatic camping trip. “The piece highlights the contrast between the reality of the past and how it is remembered and retold over time,” Fergie said. “My daughter sits captivated on his lap, as he tells a story about trying to cross a crocodile-infested river. Her focus is transfixed by a moment in time, told with light-heartedness, yet in that moment it was experienced by my father with sheer terror.” The artwork aims to instill a sense of adventure and hopeful optimism. The Zookeeper’s creative process and the final product highlight the power of public art to capture and communicate complex human experiences.

Positive pARTnerships and Community Engagement

The success of “The Pillars Project” underscores the effectiveness of Queensland Rail’s “Positive pARTnerships” program. This initiative strategically links with local artists to produce public art projects that revitalize railway infrastructure and cultivate a sense of ownership within communities. The “Pillars Project” is one of over 200 projects completed so far, collectively spanning approximately 27,000 square meters across the Queensland Rail network. The project successfully transforms otherwise utilitarian infrastructure such as station buildings, subways, and sound barriers into visually engaging community assets. This approach improves public perception and strengthens connections between QR and the communities it serves.

Conclusion

The completion of “The Pillars Project” marks a significant milestone for Queensland Rail, representing the culmination of a decade-long commitment to transforming infrastructure into art. This initiative showcases the power of public art in enhancing community engagement, boosting local pride, and providing a unique visitor experience. The legacy of “The Pillars Project” lies not only in the beauty of the murals themselves but also in the underlying principles of the “Positive pARTnerships” program. The program stands as a model for other railway operators and infrastructure managers seeking to integrate art and community engagement into their operations. The future outlook is bright, as Queensland Rail is expected to extend this model to new projects. The initiative has already delivered 200 projects across QR network.

Queensland Rail Company Summary

Queensland Rail (QR) is a key player in the Australian railway industry, operating a comprehensive network that includes passenger services, freight transport, and infrastructure management. QR’s core operations focus on providing safe, efficient, and reliable rail services across the state. The company focuses on enhancing network capacity through continuous infrastructure upgrades and innovative community engagement programs such as “The Pillars Project,” QR continues to modernize its operations. QR’s investment in public art and community projects contributes to a more positive and enriching experience for passengers and community members.