Art Commission: Wiradyuri Artwork for Downstairs Kitchen
Workshop at Arbour Festival, photo by Jack of Hearts
Eastern Riverina Arts is seeking proposals from First Nations artists with a strong connection to Wiradyuri Country/Wollundry Lagoon, to create a large-scale art commission to be permanently installed in the downstairs kitchen at the Station Creative Workspace – a creative arts and community facility that welcomes all and supports creative work.
This will be the first artwork to greet visitors as they enter the building and should be designed to honour the significance of the Wollundry Lagoon as an important gathering place – of dance and celebration, of storytelling and of connection.
Objectives:
Connection to place: The Station is situated on the banks of the Wollundry Lagoon. This artwork should be designed to acknowledge the significance of this site.
Site-Specific Design: The artwork should be designed as a focal point of the entry space, making it a key feature of the Station.
Location:
The artwork will be installed in the downstairs kitchen, which is a high traffic, shared space and the main entry to the building. The work should be designed to create a welcoming atmosphere as people enter.
We are open to a range of proposals - the work might be a flat canvas, a 3D object that can be mounted to a wall, or even suspended from the ceiling above our kitchen table.
Budget and Timeline:
Budget: $5000 (+GST if applicable)
Timeline: The artwork should be completed and installed by 1st August 2025.
EOIs open: 5 February 2025
EOIs close: 31 March 2025, 5pm
Projects commence anytime after commissioning
Work must be completed and installed by 1st August 2025
Proposals will be reviewed by a curatorial panel, and the recommended artwork will be endorsed by Mawang Gaway. If successful, artists will be contacted for further discussions.
Durability and Maintenance:
This is an acquisitive commission. Eastern Riverina Arts will consult with successful artists to ensure proposed artworks are suitable for permanent installation at the Station. This may involve adjusting the design, scope or materials of the proposed works.
The installation must be durable, easy to maintain, and designed to withstand frequent people movement and potential wear in a high-traffic environment. Please consider the safety of the materials, ensuring that no sharp edges, loose components, or hazardous materials are used.
Delivery and Installation:
The artist will be responsible for coordinating the delivery and installation of the artwork. The work must be installed by a suitably qualified tradesperson, using fixtures appropriately rated to hold the work securely in place.
Eligibility:
We are accepting applications from First Nations individuals and groups. To be eligible for this opportunity, applicants must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
Submit a proposal that addresses the requirements outlined below.
Applicants must be located in the Eastern Riverina Arts service region (within the LGA of one of our member Councils: Bland, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Junee, Lockhart, Snowy Valleys, Temora, Wagga Wagga), and have a strong connection to the Wagga Wiradyuri place of the Wollundry Lagoon.
Proposal Requirements:
All proposals must be submitted as a pdf (max 10 pages) to ashleigh@easternriverinaarts.org.au and include the following:
A detailed design proposal which might include initial sketches or inspiration images, a description of the work you intend to create, proposed materials, dimensions and install requirements
Project timeline with key milestones (e.g., concept approval, first draft, installation).
Artist CV and portfolio or links to online portfolio and website
Project budget including artist fees calculated in accordance with relevant rate
Schedules provided by NAVA (or a comparable body), and any costs associated with transport and installation.
Download the full brief including artwork location and wall measurements:
EOIs close: 31 March 2025, 5pm
Contact Information:
To discuss your proposal and organise a site visit please contact:
Ph: (02) 69216890