Artist's impression of the southern end of the elevated rail

In a celebration of creativity, culture and community, eight Western Australian and Noongar artists will deliver five public artworks as part of the METRONET Byford Rail Extension Project.

The artists will bring the stations and surrounding areas to life with vibrant artwork inspired by Aboriginal heritage, local culture and natural beauty, and shaped by input from Aboriginal Elders and the local community.

Armadale Station and the columns and northen ramp of the elevated rail will feature striking artwork by artist team Peregrination – including Mel McVee (Melski), Haylee Fieldes (Fieldey), Amok Island, Seantelle Walsh (Kardy Kreations), and supported by David Sparrow from Lighting Applications.

The collective artwork will feature along the entire length of the elevated rail, with stories of culture woven among images of native local flora and fauna. 

At the heart of these pieces will be a stunning mural and lighting installation, helping guide passengers to the station entry. Seating walls and pavement at the station forecourt will also be adorned with designs by Noongar Yamatji Artist, Dellas Bennell.

Armadale Senior High School students and George Domahidy

With community input a key part of the creative process, artist George Domahidy worked closely with Armadale Senior High School students to create designs for two vibrant murals and pavement art for the southern end of the elevated rail. The designs are inspired by George’s understanding of Armadale’s natural and architectural elements and its unique character and identity.

 At Byford (Beenyup*) Station, Bibbulmun Nyoongar artist Nigel Chadd’s designs will be integrated into the pavement, creating story points throughout the station forecourt. The creative concepts will showcase Byford’s character, history, land and culture, and help create a sense of pride and place through the themes of connection and the interdependence of local flora and fauna. 

Marri Grove Primary School students

Community input will also be a key focus at the Larsen Road pedestrian bridge, as artist Sioux Tempestt works with Marri Grove Primary School students to paint two large murals. Sioux’s concepts are inspired by Byford's history and community spirit and will weave local stories into vibrant visuals on the bridge’s retaining walls.
 
Stay tuned for the first glimpses of artwork concepts in the coming weeks, and visit the project page for more information on each artist. 

Public art for the Byford Rail Extension Project is guided by the METRONET Public Art Strategy, which aims to create a distinctive identity for station and transport infrastructure, delivering enjoyable environments for local communities and creating opportunities for emerging and established local artists. 

The Noongar place name for Byford is Beenyup and the narrative is ‘place for digging for the warrain (native potatoes)’.