Submissions sought for Centenary Pool publication and exhibition

Accommodation Bahrain introduces

In the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a newly launched initiative is looking to celebrate Brisbane's 1959 Centenary Pool, designed by then-city architect James Birrell. The Centenary Pools Project, which is being led by Birrell's son and director of Place Design Group James Birrell, will bring together public reflections on the pool's significance in an exhibition and publication.

Created in the wake of Australia's 1956 Melbourne Olympics, the Centenary Pool complex - home to Brisbane's first Olympic-standard pool - is now set to become the heart of the forthcoming National Aquatic Centre for the 2032 games.

The heritage-listed pool has been widely recognised as a symbol of Australian modernism and has for decades "played a central role in the city's social fabric, from swimming lessons to major civic events," a media communique from the Centenary Pools Project notes.

In response to this context, the project seeks to offer "an opportunity to reflect on the pool's significance over six decades as a space for learning, competition, recreation and community gatherings" - and to consider its role in the city's future.

Submissions are welcome from artists, writers, photographers, architects, historians and community members - the aim being "to contribute … unique perspectives to this collaborative initiative that honours the historical, cultural and architectural legacy of this iconic Brisbane landmark."

According to the project's organisers, diverse forms of creative expression that capture the essence of Centenary Pool are encouraged, and may include photography, visual art, personal memoirs and historical accounts.

Public submissions can be made online until 1 December 2025. Once collated, the contributions will be featured in an exhibition and publication, the proceeds of which will support Paralympics Australia.