Two years after Here Together illuminated the former Princess Margaret Hospital smokestack, public art continues to help define the future of 1909 Subi East. Now open to the public, the precinct combines heritage buildings, native landscaping, playgrounds and a growing collection of artworks that honour the site’s past while inspiring its future.
Led by DevelopmentWA’s public art strategy and delivered by Artify Consulting, the latest projects bring together professional artists, poets and local students. One of the most striking additions is the Thomas Street underpass, transformed by artists Chris Nixon and Kyle Hughes-Odgers in collaboration with Year 9 students from Bob Hawke College. Through workshops exploring public art, design and storytelling, students contributed ideas drawn from Subiaco’s architecture, nature and everyday experiences.
“Their personal stories brought character into the artwork,” says Nixon.
Although students could not paint directly onto the underpass, their designs now feature on hoardings throughout the precinct, creating a temporary outdoor gallery and giving young artists a rare opportunity to see their work on public display. The spirit of Here Together also inspired a student art competition involving Perth Modern School and Bob Hawke College. Around 70 works exploring community and belonging were submitted and displayed outdoors beside the iconic smokestack. Artist Abdul Abdullah, who co-created Here Together, returned as a judge.
“Quite often you’ll find works that are as good or better than what you’d see in adult prizes,” he says.
For Abdullah, the value of art goes beyond talent or career pathways. It offers young people a sense of autonomy, belonging and confidence, helping them express themselves in ways words sometimes cannot.
Elsewhere in the precinct, visitors can discover a more reflective artwork near the former Outpatients Building. Three water features and a memorial garden honour the patients, families and healthcare workers connected to Princess Margaret Hospital. Acclaimed Perth poet Mags Webster was commissioned to create a series of poems woven into the landscape, tracing themes of birth, care, hope and healing. Completed shortly before her passing in 2025, the work has become a lasting tribute to both the hospital community and the poet herself.
For Carolyn Karnovsky of Artify Consulting, the success of the precinct’s art program comes down to connection.
“Public art is at its best when the community can see themselves reflected in it,” she says.
Today, visitors can walk through 1909 Subi East, explore the underpass, follow the Bidi Trail, visit the memorial garden and experience artwork that celebrates the stories, people and creativity that continue to shape this evolving Subiaco destination.
Written by Lizzy Pepper – Edited by See Subiaco for website, to see the full article read the latest edition of ARTform.
