Millions of dollars could be invested into boosting Brisbane’s public art scene as part of the landmark South East Queensland City Deal agreement.
The SEQ City Deal Public Art Initiative is part of the SEQ Liveability Fund with $2.8 million available for more public art, such as murals and sculptures, in Brisbane.
This is an opportunity to support local artists in delivering vibrant pieces of art to activate public spaces and become lasting legacies across our city.
This funding deal between the Australian Government, State Government and mayors of South East will deliver significant investment in public spaces in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Public art, such as street art, can create its own tourism industry as shown through Penang Street Art, Melbourne’s laneways and the Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Montreal, Canada.
The new public art will build on initiatives including the Outdoor Gallery, Artforce Brisbane and Street Art Wall program.
Our Council also recently appointed its first ever Street Artist in Residence Matt Tervo to provide direct support and advice to deliver more street art across the city on an ongoing basis.
Local artists will be key to securing this funding and delivering the artwork and are now invited to collaborate to create concepts for the proposed projects.
Artists are encouraged to sign up to Council’s Creative Register to get notified of opportunities.
As part of the grant application process, Council will soon be inviting expression of interest from the creative sector to develop concepts and programming for the three proposed projects.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital with a record of delivering must do destinations and activating our public spaces.
“Public art can be a tourism draw card and this is an opportunity to invest further in new public art in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Brisbane is the best place to live, work and relax and I want to make our city even better by further activating our public spaces with new public art.
“We look forward to working with our local artists to make Brisbane more liveable and our lifestyle even better through these new public art installations.”
Quotes attributable to Brisbane artist Matt Tervo
“Public art is a powerful tool for teaching visitors about the identity of Brisbane. Large, bold imagery can transcend language or cultural barriers to proudly tell people what Brisbane is about.
“Just one example is Brisbane’s mural industry, which is flourishing as the city is increasingly recognised around the world as the home of some of the best muralists.
“Brisbane artists travel Australia and the globe, valued for their skills.
“Public art, especially street art, has a universal impact like no other art form. This appeal grabs attention and drives traffic, building vibrant educational, cultural and commercial opportunities.”
