I AM Geelong

Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan, Inverleigh sculptor Mark Cuthbertson, Geelong MP Christine Couzens and contributor Christian Den Besten. (Supplied)

Almost 100 locals have “left their mark” on a portable Geelong sculpture celebrating people of all abilities.

“The beautiful way they left their mark was so engaging – whether it’s spoken word or pictorial,” lead artist Mark Cuthbertson said.

After being commissioned by council, the Inverleigh sculptor held a series of workshops for people with disabilities to learn their aspirations.

He will add their contributions to the concrete letters I AM, inspired by 1968 Memphis black sanitation workers slogan “I Am a Man!” and Helen Reddy’s 1971 anthem “I Am Woman.

After finalising the moulds, Cuthbertson plans to pour the concrete next month.

Each letter will weigh about two tonnes and rest on a steel plate, with the final plate left empty for locals to stand on.

“The work can be lifted up and transported to a new site without any foundations,” he said.

“It means a far broader audience can appreciate… the work that their community has invested in.”