Expressions of interest are now open for two significant public art commissions at the Melbourne Arts Precinct, part of its ongoing transformation into a vibrant cultural hub.
The precinct will feature Laak Boorndap, an 18,000-square-metre urban garden designed as a living sanctuary for art, nature, education, and performance. Set to open in 2028, this space is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, both local and international.
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Laak Boorndap Public Art Commission
The Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co) is inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists based in Victoria to submit expressions of interest (EOI) for a permanent public artwork within the Laak Boorndap space. This project will be one of a series of artworks that celebrate the rich history of the First Peoples of this land and will serve as a place for learning, connection, and community.
The artworks should explore themes of seasonality, regeneration, biodiversity, and culture, reflecting the deep connection of First Peoples to Country. Artists are encouraged to bring their unique vision and stories to life, shaping the identity of this significant space.
- Submission Deadline: Thursday, 24 October 2024 at 3pm AEST
- Eligibility: Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists residing in Victoria
- Project Location: Laak Boorndap, Melbourne Arts Precinct
Wurundjeri Waterway Design Commission
MAP Co is also inviting Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung artists to submit EOIs for a public artwork that will be permanently embedded within the Laak Boorndap waterway. This project honours the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people’s connection to the Birrarung (Yarra River) and their long-standing tradition of caring for the waterway. The selected artwork will highlight the river’s significance as a lifeblood and a keeper of stories.
- Submission Deadline: Thursday, 24 October 2024 at 3pm AEST
- Eligibility: Open to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung artists living in Victoria
- Project Location: Laak Boorndap, Melbourne Arts Precinct
Both commissions present unique opportunities for First Nations artists to leave a lasting cultural legacy within Melbourne’s premier arts precinct. These public artworks will invite visitors to connect with the rich history and stories of Victoria’s First Peoples.
For more information and to submit your EOI, visit the public art commission and the waterway design commission.
