Expressions of interest for Armstrong Creek library mural commission

Artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations artists, LGBTQIA+ artists, artists with disability and artists from diverse backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply.

As the first social civic infrastructure in Victoria’s growing regional suburb of Armstrong Creek, the Library and Community Hub is set to be an important place for lifelong learning, social connection and building a sense of community. The fluid waterways of this landscape to the Wadawurrung People are part of a much larger ecology and have been a natural meeting point and travelling route for centuries offering a place of sustenance, fluidity, fertility and spirituality, known as ‘Living Water’.

Just as Living Water gathers and nourishes us, our vision for the new library and community hub is to gather and nourish the people of Armstrong Creek at a central meeting point; a place of inspiration where the community and future generations can thrive together. The site has views to Wurdi Youang (the You Yangs) and Mount Duneed, and is near to Lake Connewarre, all of which are significant places for Wadawurrung People. Buchan architects worked with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the City in developing a ‘Living Water’ design narrative.

The budget for the commission is up to $5,000 plus GST.

Overview

This commission will invite shortlisted artists to develop a design only for a mural that is contemporary and appeals to all ages. The commissioner will have the design printed on vinyl and installed in a prominent location on the ground floor of the library.

Artists are invited to consider the following themes as a part of preparing a response:

  • The site has been developed with the concept of “Living Water” as a metaphor running through both the outdoor and indoor spaces.
  • Considerations for the library name is Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library. Biyal-a means a place of many red gums in Wadawurrung language.
  • Proximity/views to significant places: Wurdi Youang (the You Yangs) and Mount Duneed, and Lake Connewarre
  • Final design should be contemporary, should complement the internal library design, and appeal to all ages

Site location

Armstrong Creek is the Southern growth corridor in the City of Greater Geelong providing housing for an anticipated 55,000 – 65,000 residents. The new library will be housed in the Armstrong Creek Town Centre, 20 Main St, Armstrong Creek 3217. Directly opposite the Town Square and shopping centre it will provide a vital piece of social infrastructure for residents.

The location for the mural is on the ground floor of the library in a large open space accessible to all. The wall is directly adjacent the children’s area, but the work should appeal to all ages.

Project timeline and key milestones

Commencement of expression of interest
EOI submissions due (stage 1)
Shortlisted artists selected and notified
Design proposals due (stage 2)
Successful artist commissioned
Final design due
Installation complete

Need to know more…

For full brief document, enquiries and submissions, please contact our public art team at [email protected].

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