Hannah Gartside is a nationally recognised contemporary artist whose work has been exhibited at leading institutions including the Museum of Contemporary Art, National Gallery of Victoria, and the Institute of Modern Art. Her practice draws on her background in costume-making to create tactile, evocative works that reimagine everyday discarded materials. Hannah’s work is celebrated for its ability to speak across generations, often evoking memory, emotion and delight through material sensitivity and unexpected form.

Gartside received a Bachelor of Fine Art (Sculpture) Honours from University of Melbourne, Victorian College of the Arts, in 2019, and a BFA (Fashion Design) Honours from Queensland University of Technology in 2010. Prior to her visual art training, Gartside worked as costume-maker and dresser for five years, mainly on productions for Queensland Ballet. In 2024, Gartside was a recipient of an Anne & Gordon Samstag International Visual Arts Scholarship, from the Samstag Museum, University of South Australia. She commenced an MFA in Europe in late 2025.

Donna Davis is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Ipswich who examines human and non-human relationships with respect to ecological health. Exploring the intersections between art and science, she is often embedded within ecological research projects. Her work tells stories that examine the science through a creative lens; exploring imagined futures and constructing new ways of ‘seeing’ complex natural systems and our role within them.

Davis has undertaken residencies with Queensland State Archives, Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Queensland Herbarium, Department of Environment and Science, Australian Tropical Herbarium and University of Miami. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (ART) from Curtin University and has works in both public and private collections.

You are invited to meet artist Hannah Gartside and contribute stories and gloves* to the development of her new public artwork, Holding Time.

The artwork begins with real, worn gloves. Gloves that have worked, played, held, protected and belonged. In dressmaking, memory describes the physical trace a material holds after a body has left the garment.

Delivered in partnership with Ipswich City Council and the Ipswich Art Gallery, the project invites residents of all ages to donate gloves and share their story. Each one becomes a thread in the broader story the work will tell. Participants who would prefer to retain their treasured gloves may do so by providing a photograph or drawing of the gloves to accompany their story instead.

At the heart of the engagement is a gentle, informal drop-in picnic on the lawn, hosted by the Artist and Ipswich City Council. Hannah invites residents of Ipswich to share stories of their gloves, in relaxed conversation about the hands that wore them, the tasks they carried out, and the memories stitched into them. These stories will inspire and guide Hannah as she shapes the final work, so that Holding Time reflects the spirit of Ipswich.

This is a free event, and community members are welcome to drop in any time during the event to connect with others in their community and to meet the artist and share their story.

If you can’t make the event, the Ipswich Art Gallery has a drop-off point for physical gloves, or you can share your stories/photographs online at public-art-holding-time

Please note: Your gloves and any accompanying stories are gratefully received with gratitude and care. Once donated, the gloves become a part of the artist's studio materials, and cannot be returned. As part of her creative practice, Hannah may preserve, transform or deconstruct, repurpose, or dispose of the gloves, as the artwork evolves.

Pollen Pods is a larger-than-life sculptural work inspired by microscopic pollen from local endangered plants, Melaleuca irbyana and Rhodamnia rubiscens. The artwork will be located adjacent the new ephemeral wetlands in the parklands; a soft cry of environmental preservation for a community beset by climate change challenges through recent flooding events.

Donna’s inspiration came from viewing the pollen from these plants under a scanning electron microscope during an artist residency at the Queensland Herbarium and Biodiversity Science Unit, Mt Coot-tha. Pollen Pods sits at the intersection of art and science, offering an educational yet playful experience that encourages its audience to engage with the local natural environment.

She is so excited to bring these new works into reality, playing with scale and form to allow others to experience the sense of wonder and awe that she feels each time she looks through a microscope. She hopes this work encourages others to see the plant world in a new way, growing their own environmental curiosity and pollinating a new respect for the wonder of nature.

Ipswich City Council invites artists to create captivating public art sculptures that harmonise with the natural surroundings of Bremervale Park in Raceview. This project aims to enhance the visitor experience as they explore the future ephemeral wetlands. The council envisions artwork that integrates seamlessly with the environment, enriching the visitor experience by telling a part of Ipswich's unique story. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from Ipswich's vibrant ecosystem and create pieces that resonate with themes of nature, conservation, and community.

The goal is to create artwork that not only enhances the park's aesthetic appeal but also serves an educational purpose, highlighting the importance of wetlands and their role in the ecosystem. These sculptures should reflect the beauty and diversity of the local flora and fauna, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the natural world. This initiative aims to make Bremervale Park a cherished destination for all, where art and nature coexist in harmony, offering a space for reflection, learning and enjoyment.

Ipswich City Council invites artists to create a contemporary sculpture for the Cultural Heart project. This installation will reflect the fusion of new and old Ipswich, embodying the city’s rich cultural heritage while embracing its modern evolution.

Located in d’Arcy Doyle Place, as part of the cultural precinct near the Ipswich Art Gallery, nestled between the Nicholas Street Precinct and the Ipswich Civic Centre, the sculpture should respond to its vibrant surroundings and serve as a subtle wayfinding piece.

Innovative proposals are requested that celebrate Ipswich’s unique identity and cultural legacy, creating a landmark that inspires residents and visitors alike.

Ipswich City Council is inviting artists to reimagine and transform the decommissioned terraced water feature at River Heart Parklands into a compelling artwork. This new piece should acknowledge the power and impact of floods on the city, reflecting both the trauma and the resilience of the community in the face of these natural disasters.

Artists are encouraged to create works that respond to the Bremer River and the effects of flooding. The artwork can take various forms, including murals, 3D sculptures, etchings, botanical installations, or a combination of these. However, it is crucial that the artwork is designed to be resilient to future flooding, ensuring its longevity and continued relevance. The new installation should not only commemorate past flood events but also inspire fresh perspectives on the city’s history and its ongoing recovery efforts.

The theme of resilience should be central to the artwork, highlighting the strength and determination of the Ipswich community as they continue to rebuild and adapt to their ever-changing environment.

Ipswich City Council invites artists to create an art piece for Tallegalla Cemetery, as part of its upgrade. This historic cemetery, with its stunning vistas, offers a serene and reflective environment. The artwork should recognise the past and be respectful to those visiting, providing a prompt for contemplation and remembrance. The art form can encompass various elements but preference is for a 3D sculpture that is resilient to the weather.

This piece will serve as a meaningful addition, enhancing the space’s contemplative nature and honouring the memories of those laid to rest. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from the cemetery’s rich history and natural beauty, creating a work that resonates with themes of remembrance, peace, and reflection. The goal is to create an artwork that not only enhances the beauty of the cemetery but also deepens the emotional connection visitors feel to this sacred space, further making it a cherished part of the community.