First Nations Playable Public Art Sculpture Commission
Incinerator Gallery and Moonee Valley City Council invite expressions of interest from First Nations artists for a playable public art sculpture commission.
The artwork will be temporarily installed at Incinerator Gallery to coincide with a major exhibition in mid-2025, before being permanently relocated to the neighbouring Maribyrnong River in Aberfeldie, Victoria, on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country.
For over 40,000 years, the Maribyrnong River has been a site of significant cultural connection for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung First Peoples. It is a place for learning, play, and discovery, fostering community connections to nature through the land and waterways.
In 2022, a major flood event impacted the local community, predominantly affecting residents aged 65 and over. The disruption caused by the flood continues to affect the health and well-being of the community. This public art commission seeks to acknowledge these impacts while celebrating the river as a long-standing place of renewal and connection.
Drawing on the diverse histories of the river, artists are encouraged to design a sculpture that explores themes of childhood, play, togetherness, and renewal. The design will reflect the river’s cultural and environmental significance, creating a public art sculpture that fosters inter-generational exchange. The artwork aims to bring together older and younger communities, strengthening bonds and celebrating the enduring significance of the Maribyrnong River.
Presented in partnership with Agency Projects.
Generously funded by Victoria State Government's Emergency Recovery Hubs Grant and Moonee Valley City Council.
Download PDF: First Nations EOI Brief
Stage 1
- Submitted EOIs will be checked for eligibility by MVCC staff. Eligible applications will move forward to Stage 1 for assessment.
- EOIs will be assessed by an independent First Nations Selection Panel comprising arts industry experts, including curators, academics, designers, and artists.
- The panel will provide a shortlist of three artists.
- MVCC staff will invite shortlisted artists.
Stage 2
- Shortlisted artists will receive $2,500 to develop their concept proposal, including concept drawings, confirmation of project partners (designers, fabricators, etc.), and a detailed budget to be presented to the panel during their interview.
- MVCC staff will facilitate artist interviews with the panel online. Interviews will run for 45 minutes including a 20-minute presentation and 25-minute discussion with the panel.
- The panel will assess the shortlist and appoint the successful artist.
- The successful artist will be publicly announced. They will receive their artist and procurement agreement, timeline, and final scoping document.
Artist fee: $15,000 (including Superannuation)
Production fee: $85,000 (including fabrication, sub-contractors, materials).
Total: $100,000 (plus GST).
Monday, 23 December 2024
EOI opens at 9am AEDT
Sunday, 2 February 2025
EOI closes at 11.00pm AEDT
Early February 2025
Shortlist announced
Shortlisted applicants receive project brief and $2,500 fee to develop their proposal
Monday, 10 March 2025
Selection panel announced
Friday, 14 March 2025
Interviews conducted (online)
Tuesday, 18 March 2025
Successful artist is announced and contracted
Early April 2025
Community engagement sessions (in person) with First Nations local engagement group and residents impacted by the Maribyrnong Flood
Late April 2025
Final proposal presentation
May - June 2025
Artwork production
July - August 2025
Artwork temporarily installed during major exhibition at Incinerator Gallery
February 2026
Artwork relocated to permanent place along the Maribyrnong River
Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country
Q. Can artists based interstate or internationally
apply?
Yes. However, please note there is no additional
budget for travel or accomodation. All community
consultation must be completed in-person during the scheduled period.
Q. Can artists based in a collective apply?
Yes. Please note, a lead artist representative must be nominated.
MJ Flamiano, Public Art Officer
Incinerator Gallery – Moonee Valley City Council
Email: mflamiano@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9243 8796
Jade Niklai, Head of Visual Art and Public Art
Incinerator Gallery – Moonee Valley City Council
Email: jniklai@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9243 1742
Artist portfolio
Minimum three and up to five
relevant arts projects. Up to 10 images delivered in PDF format, plus a link to a media kit of
downloadable images in web resolution
Artist CV
Up to three x A4 pages, delivered in PDF format
Written statement (maximum 600 words), outlining:
- Your connection to place. For example, your
connection to Wurundjeri Country, the Maribyrnong River, Moonee Valley, etc.
- Your initial approach to the commission and the
potential materiality of the work.
- The timeliness of this commission and the expected impact on your practice.
No visual concepts are accepted at Stage 1.
Mandatory Questions
*Do you have prior experience working in public art? Yes / No
*Do you have an existing relationship with a fabricator you would propose working with? Yes / No
*Please note these questions intended to estimate the resources required to support your
proposal. Prior public art experience is desirable but not required to submit an EOI.
Email your application to:
MJ Flamiano, Public Art Officer
Email: mflamiano@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Subject line:
‘EOI commission – your name’