Public Art CommissionEastside Squash Centre

The City of Clarence is seeking a dynamic 2D public artwork on a large west facing wall on Cambridge Road, at the Eastside Squash Centre.

Positioned along a key movement corridor into Bellerive Village, the site offers an opportunity for a highly visible work that contributes to the identity and character of the area.

Rather than acting as a standalone feature, the artwork should respond directly to the function of the site as a place of movement, activity and recreation.

The commission aims to introduce a bold, engaging visual presence that reinforces the energy of the precinct and enhances the everyday experience of people moving through the area.

The artwork also aims to contribute to activity and visibility within the precinct, supporting its role as a place for recreation and community use.

The commissioned artwork should be bold, energetic, and visually captivating. While the artwork may draw on themes of movement, energy and recreation, artists are encouraged to consider how their work reflects the identity, character and everyday life of Bellerive and the broader Eastern Shore.

The City of Clarence encourages innovative and creative responses that engage the imagination. The idea and design could be a literal or conceptual interpretation of this vision.

The artwork must either:

• Fully cover the wall as a mural, or
• Create the illusion of full coverage through strategic design approaches.

The artwork site is a substantial wall, divided into three distinct sections. Due to the scale and access conditions of the site, installation will require appropriate access equipment (e.g. elevated work platforms or scaffolding).

Wall size is approximately 211m2.

This commission is open to everyone, including emerging and established artists eligible to work in Australia.

The selected artist will receive $40,000 (+ GST if applicable).

This includes artwork concept, detailed design, insurance (as required), final artwork, equipment required for installation (scaffolding, EWP etc), graffiti proof coating and artist payment.

Wednesday 6 May 2026: This expression of Interest application closes.

Wednesday 27 May: Three short listed artists will be selected by council’s Public Art Working Group to further refine their concept and design over two weeks. Notification will be sent to all applicants.

Friday 12 June: Shortlisted artwork proposals due. Each shortlisted artist will be paid $1000 to develop and refine this work proposal.

Friday 26 June: Final artist selected. Notification will be sent to all applicants.

Friday 3 July: Any final refinements to artwork concept completed.

End of August/Early September: Final artwork completed on site.

The artwork idea will be assessed against the following criteria.

1. Innovation and originality. The public art should demonstrate creative originality, offering fresh and thought-provoking responses to site, context, and community.
2. Alignment with the objectives and actions of the Cultural Creative Strategy, demonstrated through a considered response to place, including local identity, community context and the role of the site within Bellerive and the broader Clarence municipality.
3. Site-specific: support place identity, local narratives, or cultural heritage. (appropriate, meaningful, and fit for the local and regional context). 
4. Consideration of site opportunities and constraints (scale, materials, visibility, public access/safety, durability), including high-quality, sustainable, durable materials that are appropriate for the location’s climate and weather conditions.
5. Does the artwork idea match the budget.
6. Where cultural material, stories, language or knowledge are referenced or incorporated, proposals must demonstrate an understanding of appropriate consultation processes, cultural authority and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) considerations. Demonstrates respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols, including acknowledgement of ongoing connection to Country.

• The mural must be a 2D artwork.
• Artists must account for the scale and sectional nature of the wall in their design approach.
• The work should be visually accessible and engaging to a broad public audience.
• Artists should consider the long-term durability and maintenance of the artwork.
• The work should consider its relationship to the surrounding community and how it will be experienced by a broad public audience.
• The design should complement the vibrant and active spirit of City of Clarence and the Activity Centre.
• The selected artist will be required to comply with all relevant Work Health and Safety (WHS) requirements, including undertaking appropriate risk assessments and holding or obtaining any necessary certifications (such as working at heights) prior to installation.