The Warren Shire Council has plans to make the local region a lot more colourful over the next few years, following the official adoption of its Public Arts Masterplan.

The masterplan was put together by the Warren Public Arts Committee and is designed to put the shire on the map as a key regional destination for celebrating local art.

The masterplan also encourages involvement from the local community in helping to develop public art spaces and walking trails around the area.

Warren Shire Mayor, Councillor Milton Quigley, said in doing this, the council aims to build on the strong sense of community pride in the area.

“We hope to grow our local arts content and use locations across Warren Shire as a platform to celebrate our community spirit," Mayor Quigley said.

“From showcasing Wayilwan inspired art to urban sculptures, we have plans for a diverse and unique art trail across the shire."

Major developments as part of this masterplan are already underway with plans for a series of murals across the region, funded through a $100,000 economic development grant from the state government.

One of these is a 360 degree mural on the Stafford Street Water Tower depicting the region's connection to local sporting activities using concept designs from Adelaide artist Sam Brooks.

According to the council, artist James Middleton from Paint The Town Murals has been brought on board to bring Mr Brooks' finalised designs to life with the mural expected to be completed by the end of November 2021.

Refurbishment work is also now underway on the local Nevertire Water Reservoir and once it is complete, council plans to make the 21-metre high tower the blank canvas for the next mural.

Warren Shire Council General Manager, Gary Woodman said the new mural will be inspired by ideas from the a community consultation currently in progress.

“We have already seen some great community engagement around theme ideas for the mural that represent iconic Nevertire experiences," Mr Woodman said.

“It will be an impressive feature that will no doubt attract visitors to the town."

The Warren Shire Council Public Arts Masterplan has also been welcomed by Outback Arts Executive Director Jamie-Lea Trindall.

She said public art had the potential to bring a wide range of benefits to regional communities.

“The benefits of public art projects right across the region are clear, from attracting tourists, supporting the visitor economy through to an increased sense of place and pride within our communities," Mrs Trindall said.

"We are very proud of our member councils, each with their own unique response to developing public art reflective of their community identity.

"Warren is very progressive in this field and we look forward to what their outcomes will bring for the region.” 

Warren Shire Council also plans to create rural-urban art, also using community consultation to inform ideas for themes and locations, through its Art on Private Property Murals project.

“We want as many residents as possible to contribute to the development of public art in our shire and open feedback and ideas through our public exhibition process," Mayor Quigley said.

“To be able to bring to life artwork inspired by our community across Warren shire will create a huge sense of pride and ownership for everyone who contributed."