The power of art in Cedar Woods’ communities
17 September 2021
Art is commonly referred to as the window to the soul. It provides insight into a person’s lived experiences, present feelings, and aspirations for the future, but why are we seeing art become more prevalent in the property industry? How is it relevant?
More and more, curated artworks are being commissioned for newly developed communities as a way of storytelling and creating a connection to the heritage of the local area. Leading national property developer Cedar Woods strives to spark life into their communities through the integration of curated artworks.
Across the country, Cedar Woods partners with local artists, sculptors and designers to incorporate art with a strong sense of history into their communities. References to the past run throughout the developments creating a connection to the heritage of the area. By building and nurturing these connections, it builds a strong sense of place, identity and belonging. This connection is something that is crucial in Cedar Woods’ communities.
In Western Australia, stories of the circle of life are being told at Cedar Woods’ Byford on the Scarp, where local Indigenous artist Connie Clinch used striking, bold patterns to connect residents and passers-by to the land and its past.
A sculpture of a man made of brickwork was erected at WA’s The Brook at Byford, made out of the original bricks from a past brickworks site, commemorating the hard work and commitment instilled in the previous community. Likewise, Bushmead in WA memorialised the 1904 Poison Gully Train Crash site with a piece of the railway line.
A plane wing stands tall in Victoria’s William’s Landing community, commemorating the land that once belonged to a Royal Australian Air Force airbase.
In South Australia’s Glenside community, art has emerged from local talent at the Adelaide Central School of Art, who were commissioned by Cedar Woods to deliver their representation of the local community. SA’s Fletcher’s Slip displays a window feature which visualises the original farming community of the land it now stands.
Cedar Woods Managing Director, Nathan Blackburne said the need to connect with the heritage of an area is just as crucial as the need to belong and form human connections.
“We have identified this need within our communities and regularly engage with local artists to further develop an area in an authentic way,” he said.
“Connecting our residents with their local surroundings and ensuring they’ve created a genuine bond with their new neighbourhood gives our communities longevity and our residents a true sense of place.”
From botanical works of art to historical references, art not only fortifies a community’s culture, but provides an opportunity for connection between individuals.
Art, culture and heritage play a major role within Cedar Woods’ developments across the national portfolio. Like it has done previously, art will continue to tell stories and connect us to past, present and future generations.
You can watch The Power of Art in our Communities video here.