A total prize pool of $300,000 is up for grabs for Melbourne artists and designers to reimagine City of Port Phillip public spaces through "outside the box" projects.
Applications open today for six $50,000 prizes to design and deliver amazing activations across Port Phillip. The $300,000 prize pool is part of Port Phillip Council’s efforts to encourage excitement and economic recovery after lockdown. City of Melbourne announced $4,000 grants for artists yesterday.
What you need to know
- City of Port Phillip has announced six $50,000 prizes for artists and designers
- The brief are projects for Port Phillip council’s public spaces to attract new visitors
- Artist submissions close on October 18
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Port Phillip mayor Louise Crawford is urging designers, artists, architects, sculptors and other creatives to think outside the box when submitting concepts for the Reimagine – Activation Design Competition.
“We are funding the competition from our Reactivation of Public Space Budget as this is a perfect way to reimagine our public spaces while encouraging extra foot traffic for our traders who have done it tough during lockdown,” Cr Crawford said.
“This is about creating vibrancy and visitation through creative use of public space.”
The council say they have a preference fo interactive or tactile projects, made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials, mentioning non-static statues, light projections or inflatable installations as possible ideas.
The winning entries will be in place between six weeks to nine months and must add colour and interest to the streetscapes or public places which will be their temporary home.
The council say they’re open to considering all public spaces, however preference will be given to: Bay Street, Port Melbourne; Clarendon Street, South Melbourne; Carlisle Street, Balaclava; Ormond Road, Elwood; Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea; Blessington Street, St Kilda; Armstrong Street, Middle Park; Fitzroy Street, St Kilda and Victoria Avenue or Bridport Street, Albert Park.
The winners must use their prize money to cover all costs, including fabrication, installation and maintenance, and safety issues can’t be caused by the activations.
After initial submissions close on 18 October, up to 12 applicants will be chosen to progress to Stage 2, where they must provide detailed designs. After a further assessment, six winners will be announced in November.
Applicants don’t have to live in Port Phillip. For more information, visit Port Phillip Reimagine.
