The City of Mount Gambier is seeking expressions of interest from First Nations artists to lead a collaborative mural project in the Mount Gambier Library youth area, creating a significant new artwork that celebrates culture, community and connection as part of Council’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
The project will transform a prominent space within the Library into a vibrant and culturally meaningful artwork that recognises the enduring connection of First Nations peoples to this land and their continuing presence, knowledge and contribution within the community. The mural will be developed in collaboration with local young people under the guidance of a selected First Nations artist.
City of Mount Gambier CEO Paul Simpson said the initiative reflects Council’s commitment to creating a more culturally welcoming and inclusive community space.
“Council is proud to support a project that celebrates First Nations culture and fosters meaningful learning, collaboration and connection across our community,” Mr Simpson said.
“This mural will be much more than a public artwork. It will stand as a lasting legacy of our 150th anniversary celebrations while acknowledging the enduring connection of First Nations peoples to Country and their ongoing contribution to the life of our city.”
The project will enable local young people to work alongside a respected First Nations artist, exploring culture, identity and storytelling while developing creative skills, confidence and a sense of ownership in a significant public artwork.
City of Mount Gambier Acting Library Manager Ashleigh Whatling said the project aligns with the Library’s role as a place of learning, creativity and community engagement.
“This is an exciting way for young people to contribute to an artwork that reflects culture, respect and belonging while learning directly from a First Nations artist,” Ms Whatling said.
“By involving young people in the creative process, we are helping to foster understanding, build confidence and create a space that is welcoming, educational and reflective of our community’s diversity.”
Potential themes for the mural include connection to Country, caring for land and environment, and celebrating local landscapes, waterways, flora, fauna and stories. The completed artwork is expected to create a visual link between the Library and the natural world beyond its walls, while honouring cultural knowledge and storytelling traditions.
The selected artist will lead the creative direction and design of the mural, facilitate workshops with young people and work collaboratively with Library staff, schools and community representatives throughout the project. Expressions of interest are open to First Nations artists only.
The mural will be installed in a dedicated location within the Library youth area. Workshops are proposed to take place between October and November 2026, with the final artwork expected to be delivered in March 2027.
Expressions of interest close at 5pm on Friday 4 September 2026.
