Celebrating 100 years of the stobie pole
15 July 2024 marks the centenary of the stobie pole.
The Stobie pole was named after its inventor James Cyril Stobie and first introduced in 1924. These unique power poles have played a crucial role in the distribution of electricity across the state, and have become an iconic canvas for artwork. The first poles were painted in 1963 in Prospect by artist Ann Newmarch.
To celebrate the anniversary we are creating a gallery of any stobie poles painted in 2024.
Submit your photo, the name of the street, artist and name of artwork to be featured.
More details to come
The City of Charles Sturt supports a city wide place making approach to public art as people enjoy spending time in vibrant and culturally attractive public places. Opportunities for creative contributions from community groups and individuals in the form of community and public art installations are encouraged because they add to our city’s “sense of place”.
In recognising this, the City of Charles Sturt has adopted a Public Art Policy and Guidelines to assist the community to create and install public art within the city. Guidelines ensure that relevant stakeholders within proximity of the site are consulted and that the proposed artworks are both safe and reflect the values of the community.
How to Apply:
Visit the SA Power Networks website and complete their online application form to ensure your Stobie Pole art is safe to paint and avoid it being removed.
Before painting Stobie Poles please consider:
- That the painted image shall not be higher than 2.0 metres from ground level.
- That the artwork being placed on the poles may not constitute commercial advertising e.g. business name or logo, political material, local messages or directions or any other material likely to offend.
- That permission has been obtained from SA Power networks.
- That you consult with the residents directly adjacent the proposed stobie pole site prior to commencement and gain their approval to paint.
- That you are responsible for any ongoing maintenance of the artwork, and understand that if the artwork is tagged, SA Power Networks will paint over the work at their discretion. The use of an anti-graffiti coating should be considered once completed (if the work is to be on display long term
- That during the painting process, consideration be given to the safety of the participants and the public, e.g. use of orange cones, high visibility vests etc. where appropriate.
- That you supply council with images of the finished works, artists names for our records.
Further References
These Guidelines for best practice commissioning models and processes for public art are in accordance with:
The City of Charles Sturt Public Art Policy
Arts SA “Public Art making it happen” commissioning guidelines for local councils