Call for artwork Acknowledging Country

We’re seeking new or existing original concepts for a visual artwork that will:

• acknowledge and pay respect to Country
• highlight the unique identity and story of our local area
• boost awareness of the rich cultural history of Sydney
• contribute to our understanding and appreciation of local cultural significance
• inspire a sense of pride and connection to place
• enhance the natural and built environment
• engage and delight a wide audience
• demonstrate artistic excellence
• be original and forward thinking
• position Sydney as a place to practise and enjoy culture and creativity.

This artwork could be:

• artwork or illustration in any medium
• graphic design
• photography
• permitted mural.

Our designers will use the selected artwork to inform and develop a wide range of visual communications.

The selected entry should be flexible enough to be used across digital and print applications, including street banners, display signs, bus stops, and billboards. These will be all different shapes, sizes, and orientations.

We’ll work with the artist to finalise how we apply the artwork.

Stage 1

Stage 1 is an open call for applicants to design an initial artwork concept proposal or submit an existing artwork. We’ll assess all applications for eligibility against the criteria.

The following information is required:

• Contact details
• Artist/collective bio
• Statement (300 words maximum) describing the concept and approach for the artwork or design
• For new artworks only: sketch, mock-up or photograph illustrating the concept for the proposed artwork/design in PDF or jpeg up to 5MB)
• For existing artworks only: provide up to 5 examples of your work that meet this brief for consideration and a statement as to whether the submission is currently or has previously been used elsewhere with details of prior uses
• Examples of previous work up to 3MB or a link to your online portfolio.
• Confirmation the artwork/design can all be delivered within the required timeframe and budget.

Applications can be made using the online form. 

Emailed applications won’t be accepted. 

Stage 2 (new artworks only)

Up to three new artwork submissions will be selected by a panel of City of Sydney staff to proceed to stage two for concept development.

If your concept is shortlisted, the we will pay a development fee of $1,500 (excl GST) to refine your concept and you will be required to sign a letter of agreement with the City.

The Stage two payment will be made upon delivery of the required developed concept artwork in the timeframe.

Stage two will be subject to a 2-week timeline to deliver the developed concept artwork.

At the conclusion of the two week stage 2 period, finalised submissions are to be supplied in Encapsulated PostScript (EPS), jpeg and PDF file formats.

Stage 3

An assessment panel comprised of City of Sydney staff will review the shortlisted new artworks and all submitted existing artworks and make a selection.

The successful respondent will be required to enter into a Licence Agreement with the City, (refer to attachment A in the brief below). 

The selected artwork will receive a licence fee of $20,000 excluding GST. This is in addition to the $1,500 excluding GST fee for stage 2 design development.

• Applications open: Monday 12 September
• Applications close: Friday 7 October 
• Shortlisted artists notified: Monday 24 October
• Stage Two artwork files due: Monday 7 November 
• Selected proposal notified: Monday 21 November
• Final artwork delivered: Friday 9 December