Stobie poles are a uniquely South Australian invention, and a distinct part of our local streets. Designed by James Stobie in 1924, these concrete and steel poles have stood the test of time.
South Australian Power Network (SAPN) celebrates residents and artists transforming their infrastructure into vibrant public artworks.
Anyone can submit a request to decorate a Stobie pole via the SAPN website. When providing approval for creating a Stobie pole artwork, SAPN instruct residents to follow any additional local Council requirements. Unfortunately, our opportunity to participate in this creative process in NPSP has stalled.
In May 2023, Council first advised residents that requests for mosaic artworks would not be approved due to the drafting of a new Arts and Culture Plan. Council endorsed the Plan in January 2024 providing a further two years for Council to develop additional guidelines on top of SAPN’s existing guidelines. This year, residents seeking approval have received the response that Council is now authoring a Public Art Masterplan and again, mosaics cannot be installed during its drafting period.
It is disappointing that Council actions to supposedly encourage public artworks are actually doing the opposite.
Given the Council is preventing mosaic artworks, St Peters resident Travis Cox has decorated more than a dozen public artworks in the neighbouring Town of Walkerville, including collaboration with that Council for SALA 2024. These artworks now bring joy and visual interest to residents in Gilberton, Walkerville, and Vale Park.
Several of these artworks are celebrated by SAPN as examples to inspire others. SPRA would like to see Travis Cox (and others) brightening the streets of St Peters and surrounds, instead of needing to travel further afield to admire his talents.
While other councils across South Australia encourage Stobie pole art, NPSP appears to be the only council actively blocking mosaic installations. It is over twelve months since Robert Bria told ABC Adelaide that "This sort of permanent art is the issue that the council is considering". ABC Radio have a recording of the Council cautious but Adelaide artist says stobie pole art OK with SA Power Networks interview on Wednesday 15th November 2023. Council’s stance raises questions, with community groups such as Hindmarsh Greening working in partnership with SAPN and City of Charles Sturt to create beautiful Stobie pole mosaics.
Public art has the power to foster community pride and enhance our shared spaces, and SPRA encourages Council to provide a pathway forward for residents and artists who wish to contribute to this uniquely South Australian streetscape beautification.
SPRA is interested in members comments on painted and mosaic art on our local Stobie Poles.