Call out for First Nations artists to create public artworks for reimagined Arts Precinct

Call out for First Nations artists to create public artworks for reimagined Arts Precinct

Expressions of interest are open for the design of two permanent, public art commissions as part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct transformation.

The two commissions will be part of a series of artworks by Victorian First Nations artists to be displayed throughout Laak Boorndap – the urban garden which will be at the centre of the precinct’s transformation.

Designs released in early September reveal that Laak Boorndap will be made to flourish all year round.

The garden will be planted on an elevated deck and will feature six themed planting areas as well as a waterway.

The Laak Boorndap Public Art Commission is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists living in Victoria.

Artists are encouraged to consider themes of seasonality, regeneration, biodiversity, gathering and belonging in their submissions.

The commissions will reflect the conservation knowledge of First Peoples in relation to Country and will be located near the edge of the garden, above City Rd.

Submissions to the Wurundjeri Waterway Design Commission are also open.

For this artwork, which will be incorporated into the Laak Boorndap water feature, expressions of interest are open to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung artists living in Victoria.

Several potential key themes for this artwork have been identified through consultation with Elders Aunty Diane Kerr, Aunty Gail Smith and Aunty Julieanne Axford; some suggested themes include gathering by the river, the impacts of colonialism or the significance of the Yarra River.

The two commissions will be part of a series of artworks by Victorian First Peoples to be displayed permanently in the garden.

Artists at any stage in their career and practitioners using a variety of mediums are encouraged to apply.

Artists must be available to fully commit to the projects from February to May 2025.

Expressions of interest will be shortlisted in December, after which the shortlisted artists will be paid a fee of $10,000 and given eight weeks to develop a concept proposal.

The artworks are set to be installed in 2028, in line with expected completion dates for the garden.

Expressions of interest for both commissions close on October 24 at 3pm. •

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