The newest addition to the ever-popular Silo Art Trail is a step closer, with work about to begin work on the Llew Schilling Silo Tourism Development in Rainbow.

This innovative project will offer so much more than a large-scale external painting on the side of the Silo, with an opportunity to also create an internal Art Activation within one of the Silo bins. Viewing of the internal Art will be made possible with the installation of a large tower adjacent to the 100-year-old Silo.

The tower, featuring a stairway and elevator, will lead to a viewing platform approximately 24 metres above the ground which will lead visitors to a balcony within the upper reaches of the Silo bin. A second viewing balcony will also provide views from below, at approximately 5 metres from the ground.
“This project represents a bold step forward in the evolution of the region’s iconic Silo Art Trail, offering a new perspective on the art experience.”

“The addition of the viewing tower will not only enhance visitor experience but also showcase the creative vision of artists from across Australia. This is a truly innovative project that will provide lasting benefits for our community and attract even more visitors to the Wimmera Mallee region.”

- Hindmarsh Shire Council CEO, Monica Revell
The Builder for this innovative project is Onley Holdings Pty. Ltd., who have constructed numerous commercial buildings within Hindmarsh Shire Council and the wider Wimmera Mallee region. Their subcontractors are set to be onsite within two weeks to begin work on the foundations for the new tower. Fabrication of the tower is also about to commence, with specialist fabricators putting the final touches to design in Ballarat, where the tower will be manufactured before being transported to the site in early 2025. The tower will then be erected with lift installation and platforms to follow.

With the construction schedule now confirmed, Council has turned its focus to the Art Activation set to be featured at the Rainbow Silo site.

An Expression of Interest has been launched, inviting Artists from across Australia to put forward their proposals for the artistic development of the Silo, including internal and external Art Activation. The project is advertised locally and via leading industry medium Artshub.com.au, which features opportunities across Australia for Artists to deliver their vision.

The Expression of Interest seeks submissions from suitably experienced artists to outline their ideas. An evaluation process will be undertaken to create a shortlist of artists who will be invited to complete their formal submission for the artistic development of the Silo. Given the unique opportunity for both internal and external Art Activation, it is expected that interest in this project will be high.

The Art Activation Expression of Interest is open now and closes on 12 December.