New tech breathes life into Margaret River Art Trails

A collaboration between the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and Creative Corner has seen the launch of an augmented reality (AR) experience at selected artworks on the Margaret River Art Trails.

Locals and visitors can now experience eleven of the existing artworks in a whole new way, across all three of the current trails in Margaret River, Cowaramup and Prevelly.

Smart phone users can scan QR codes along the trail to launch animations and 3D experiences on a range of artworks by artists such as Cara Sanders, Anita Revel, Brendon See and local group Artzability.

The Shire said the new experience would appeal to arts enthusiasts, tech lovers, families and anyone curious about diving deeper into the region’s stories.

Shire President Julia Meldrum said Augmented Reality (AR) was redefining how artists and viewers interact, and invited locals and visitors to experience it first hand.

“Our Shire’s arts and cultural scene is bursting with creativity and the art trails are a real celebration of that,” she said.

“With an abundance of public artworks along our streets and tucked down our laneways, these walkable art trails provide a great way of showcasing our talented local artists and their unique perspective on this place we call home.

“This new AR element takes the trails to a whole new level!

“Come walk our art trails, engage with our local art and enjoy the experience.”

The art trails, which were unveiled in May, have been well received by the community and local creatives.

The added AR experience will allow people to watch a whale swim along the Margaret River Main Street, or turn themselves into a Cowara bird, with colourful flapping wings, and see the Moon Haven girl come to life in an unexpected and beautiful way.

Manager of Creative Corner, Anita Pettit, said the new features enhanced the already stunning Art Trail experience.

“Augmented Reality transforms artwork from a visual experience into an immersive journey, where creativity extends beyond the canvas and becomes part of the world around us,” she said.

“We look forward to seeing additional artwork being added to the trail in the future.”

Mike Dunn, Developer and Visual Effects artist from Phi Media, said he was pleased to be involved in the project.

“I am thrilled to be involved with this fusion of art and technology, bringing a new dimension to the Margaret River Art Trail,” he said.

Locals, visitors and arts enthusiasts are encouraged to check out the trails by scanning a QR code from the streets, online at margaretriverarttrails.com.au or by following @margaretriverarttrails on Instagram and Facebook.

Margaret River Art Trails were developed by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and Creative Corner, with funding from the Shire and the State Government’s Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the South West Development Commission.