‘Kinetic Cart’

A contemporary addition to National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) collection.

Through a Tasmanian Regional Arts Grant, titled 'Tour de Clarendon' the National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) engaged local artist Ross Byers to design and create a "kinetic cart' which was presented as part of the 7th National Arts Conference in Launceston during August 2010. Ross Buyers described the concept of the project as " the cart has many kinetic components activated as the cart moves. The source of energy will come from the pedalling legs of the students. Inspiration will be drawn from Tasmania's heritage such as from the architecture, the inventiveness of early technology, the people and these will inturn interact and contribute to the history of Clarendon.

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The aim of this project is to connect with people in our community, schools, youth, artists and of course our elders, confirming the richness of Tasmania's heritage, demonstrating that our heritage can actively contribute to contemporary arts and community cultural development."

The Clarendon project involved Ross working with a range of organisations in north and north-east Tasmania to develop the kinetic cart which generated enormous levels of interest from both artists, high school students and teaching staff throughout northern Tasmania.

The developmental stages involved engaging with schools across all departments and included contributions from practicing professional artists to conduct workshops as well as drawing upon community members to share their knowledge, skills and contribute to the mentoring process.

The cart was a highlight of the National Arts Conference and Junction 2010 Festival in Launceston. On lookers were amazed at this quirky mechanical sculpture which can be described as a cross between a "Leonardo da Vinci' and Dr Suess 'Cat in the Hat' hybrid. Children and adults were equally fascinated and amused as this wonderful addition to the Tasmanian National Trust collection was rolled out across 'Launceston Civic Square' where it was unveiled.

Our 'Kinetic Cart' will be safely housed in the 'Coach House ' at Clarendon alongside more traditional carts and coaches where we know it will be appreciated by visitors.