Potts Point art market proposed

Prominent Potts Point artist Shayne Chester has proposed a local artists’ market for Embarkation Park, above the Royal Australian Navy car park.

Mr Chester’s plan involves utilising the fence surrounding the park during weekly markets held each Sunday.

Artists would rent a portion of the fence to hang their works, displaying them against the impressive backdrop of the city skyline and harbour.

“Sydney has no dedicated art market – only community markets which sell clothes,” said Mr Chester.

He said Embarkation Park would be an ideal location for a public art market.

“It is a shame to waste such a space, which only comes alive once a year on New Year’s Eve,” he said. “I can’t think of any gallery that can offer such a stunning backdrop.”

Mr Chester said he had drawn inspiration for his proposal from public art markets such as those at Green Park in London, and Montmartre in Paris.

He said his idea also sprang from frustration with the relatively limited local art scene, and a desire to reinvigorate one of Sydney’s most spectacular, but underutilised, locations.

By ensuring prospective artists register and pay a nominal fee in order to be allocated a part of the fence, Mr Chester said a wide variety of local talent could be displayed and nurtured.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City of Sydney Council would “love to see more details of the proposal”.

“At this stage we’ve just received a one line proposal and image,” said Ms Moore.

“We support a wide range of cultural and creative activities around the city, including artist markets, through funding or reduced rates of hire for venues and promotional support.”

Adrian Bartels, Chair of the Potts Point Partnership, keenly supported Mr Chester’s idea.

“It sends out a message that there’s a lot more going on in [Kings] Cross than what’s normally reported,” he said.