Camden Library and Museum public art

Collaborative efforts

The 2007 Camden Library and Camden Museum redevelopment project resulted in a community collaboration to create a mix of public artworks.

The collaboration process was led by Camden Council Cultural Development Coordinator Angela Pasqua. Participants included school children, TAFE students, artists and sculptors.

The artworks were commissioned by Camden Council..

The efforts have been documented in a pamphlet called ‘The Walls Have Words’ originally published by Camden Council.

Redevelopment of Camden Library and Camden Museum

The aim of the 2007 redevelopment project was to integrate three former historical buildings, fire station, school of arts and council offices, into a contemporary functional space for the use of the Camden community using the adaptation principles outlined by the Burra Charter (2013). The former school of arts was occupied by Camden Library, while the Camden Museum was located in the former Camden Council offices.

The state government and Camden Council spent around $2.5 million to bring Camden Library up to contemporary library floor space requirements. This was achieved by enclosing a laneway between the former fire station and school of arts (library) buildings.

The works enclosed the laneway using a glass roof to create a galleria that has been used for a variety of public events for the library and museum.