Local creatives making art from waste

Published on 03 November 2021

Waste, litter, over-consumption and the impacts of plastic pollution have been put in the spotlight at the 2021 Sustainable Neighbourhoods Waste to Art Exhibition with amazing artworks created from objects that would otherwise end up in landfill or in our waterways.

This year’s exhibition features 60 artworks created by community members, artists, schools, and preschool groups from across the region on display at three locations across Lake Macquarie City.

Secretary of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance Steve Dewar said it’s a good reminder to practice the ‘5 Rs’ of waste minimisation - rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle.

“The exhibition gives us some pause to think about the items that are all around us, what they are made from and their purpose. It highlights the value of those materials that would otherwise end up in landfill or littering our landscapes and waterways,” Mr Dewar said.

“Even aside from the important waste message, the artworks are just so creative and clever. It’s wonderful to see how our artists have transformed ‘rubbish’ into beautiful, fun and functional pieces. The works have been created by preschool groups right through to professional artists. It’s lovely to see the breadth of community creativity.”

The Waste to Art exhibition encourages us all to reflect on the waste in our lives, and consider what we can do to transition to a more sustainable future.

This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority, Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy.

Sustainable Neighbourhoods Waste to Art Exhibition

Now showing until 10 December 2021
Location: Lake Mac Libraries branches at Charlestown, Swansea and Toronto.
For more information visit sustainableneighbourhoods.org.au.

Image: Diana Boyd, Time to Breath (detail).