Public Art Opportunities
MIGRATION PUBLIC ART PROJECT 2023-2025
Darebin Council has identified an opportunity to acknowledge and reflect our city’s rich and diverse migration history through the creation of a new public artwork.
Submissions are being sought from Victorian-based artists who have lived experience of migration or a close family migration story. Preference may be given to artists who live, work, study or base their creative practice in Darebin.
The artwork will be located within Preston’s Civic Precinct, near the corner of High and Gower Streets, and close to the new Intercultural Centre.
This public artwork is intended to be a place for acknowledgement of and reflection on the many diverse cultures in our community.
Click here to read the Artist Brief.
SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
If you have any questions about the project, please contact
leah.crossman@darebin.vic.gov.au and sarah.werkmeister@darebin.vic.gov.au
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘lived experience of migration’ mean?
We’re seeking artists who are migrants to Australia, or whose parents migrated to Australia. ‘Lived experience of migration’ means that you have experienced living and practicing your work as a migrant, immigrant, or refugee.
Do I have to live in Darebin to be eligible to apply for this opportunity?
No. This opportunity is open to artists from across Victoria, but the artist must undertake relevant research if living outside of the municipality to ensure that the artwork is relevant to the local community and reflects Darebin’s diverse migration histories.
Can I apply with someone else or as part of an artist group/collective?
Yes, you can!
What do I need to include when I submit an Expression of Interest?
You will need to include personal contact information, and whether you’re applying as an individual or artistic group. You will be asked to share a bit about your own relationship to the theme of migration, and how your artistic practice is relevant to this project. You’ll also be asked to provide your Curriculum Vitae (CV), and images of your previous work. Additionally, you will also be asked whether there are any barriers that would prevent you from applying – this is so that we can make your participation easier, should you be selected to develop a concept.
What happens after I submit an Expression of Interest?
Submissions will be reviewed by the Migration Public Artwork Community Reference Group (CRG). This CRG will review all the Expressions of Interest and create a shortlist of 3 applicants who will be paid to develop a full artistic concept. From these 3 shortlisted applicants, one will be selected for the Migration Public Artwork commission.
How will the shortlisted artists be selected?
Shortlisted artists will be selected based on how closely their experience aligns with the project objectives. Priority will be given to artists who have:
- Lived experience of migration (either as a migrant or child of a migrant)
- Worked with or can demonstrate interest in the theme of migration in their creative practice
- Experience in creating public art or the ability to coordinate a mentor relationship with a public art expert/project manager to support their project
- A connection to the City of Darebin or understanding of Darebin's diverse migrant communities
Who sits on the Migration Public Artwork Community Reference Group?
The CRG includes community members with lived experience of migration, a member of the Darebin Ethnic Communities Council, a Darebin-based Aboriginal representative, members of the Darebin Art & Heritage Advisory committee and the Darebin Council Curator.
What is the selection criteria for the concept design stage of this commission?
Selection Criteria includes:
- connection to/experience of migration
- creative engagement with the theme/subject matter
- artistic merit
- artist experience, particularly with delivering permanent public art projects
- motivation/willingness to work collaboratively with Darebin Council
Do I need to have experience in making permanent public art?
Yes. Some experience with public art is required. If you have limited experience in creating a permanent public artwork, please think about whether you would like to team up with another artist who has more experience in this area, or engage an experience public art Project Manager to work with you.
What is the budget for this public art commission?
The budget for this commission is $160,000.00*.
*subject to funding confirmation in the 2024-25 Council Budget – budget to be finalised by June 2024.
What is the artist fee?
The artist fee will be part of the final budget collated by successfully shortlisted artists. The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) recommend an artist fee of 25% of the total budget of artworks over $100,000. NAVA rates can be found here.
What kind of artwork are you looking for?
What sort of artforms will be considered for this project?
- Sculpture
- Installation art
Artforms that will not be considered include:
- Murals
- Integrated landscape or architectural design
- Ephemeral interventions
- Performance art
- Video/projection art
Will Council assist in contracting professionals to support the fabrication and/or final delivery of my artwork?
No. The artist who is awarded this commission will be responsible for engaging any professional support required to fabricate and install their work.
I need translation or interpreting assistance. How can I access this?
If you require translation or interpreting assistance, City of Darebin provides a free interpreting service for non-English speakers over the phone or in-person at any Customer Service Centre. You can call the Multilingual Telephone Line and mention your preferred language and be connected to a Language Aide or an interpreter. Multilingual Telephone Line: 03 8470 8470.
I have access needs. Can I apply in a different format?
If you need to submit your application in a different format, eg. video presentation, spoken presentation with accompanying images/support material, please contact Council via the details below (Leah Crossman or Sarah Werkmeister) to discuss.
I'd like to speak to someone about this project in my own language. Who do I contact?
Darebin Council provides a free interpreting service for non-English speaking customers over the phone or in-person at any Customer Service Centre. Applicants can call the Multilingual Telephone Line and mention their preferred language and be connected to a Language Aide or an interpreter. Multilingual Telephone Line: 03 8470 8470
Do you have more questions not covered in our FAQ?
Contact: leah.crossman@darebin.vic.gov.au and sarah.werkmeister@darebin.vic.gov.au