The City of Melbourne is partnering with Renew Australia to support the creative reactivation of the city and facilitate the leasing of vacant shops. Renew Australia is working with property owners and agents to facilitate access to vacant spaces.
The City of Melbourne is running an Expression of interest (EOI) for a new opportunity to present artworks applied as vinyl decals on the exterior of vacant shopfronts and spaces around the city are open from Monday 2 November.
As Melbourne emerges from isolation and lockdown, we can take comfort in the return of friends, colleagues and crowds, to familiarise ourselves again with our favourite places and reflect upon what the city means to all Melburnians.
As part of this renewal process, it will be vital to encourage social re-connection and the City of Melbourne understands how art can play a vital role in our social activation and economic recovery. By advocating for, and developing, projects that will draw residents, workers and visitors back into the city and its businesses, Melbourne can reaffirm its position as the world’s most liveable place.
Property Owners and Agents
Do you have a property that you think might be suitable for this project, please contact us at projects@renewaustralia.org directly.
Artwork brief
This project seeks to bring a sense of energy to the CBD as we welcome greater numbers of people back to the streets following the gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
There are no thematic limitations; however proposals that are visually striking are strongly encouraged.
Proposals must be for static, 2D images with the final artwork to be digitally printed in full colour on vinyl.
A short artist’s bio or statement can be included on the decal. Please note the window will also require a text panel indicating the property is for lease with contact details of the agent. City of Melbourne will strive to strike a balance between artwork and leasing information.
This EOI is open to residents of the state of Victoria.
Visual artists working in any medium are encouraged to apply.
As shopfronts become available sites will be negotiated with selected artists.
An artist fee of $2000 plus GST will be paid for a selected artwork.
How to apply
Applications via SmartyGrants are to be completed by Tuesday 10 November 2020 at 5pm AEST.
Submissions should include:
Two to three images of existing work that might be suitable for this project. (The final image will be decided in consultation with a curatorial committee. Artwork files can be up to 2 MB, preferably 1500 pixels on the long edge at resolution of 150 PPI. Selected artists must submit higher a resolution file for production).
A short statement of no more than 200 words about the artist and proposed artwork.
There is a limit of one entry per person.
There is no submission fee.
Production and exhibition
Fabrication and installation costs will be covered by City of Melbourne.
Artworks will remain in place for between one and six months, or as determined by City of Melbourne.
Key dates
2 November: EOI opens
10 November: Submissions close 5pm AEST
11 to 27 November: Shortlisting and selection
27 November: Artists notified.
December 2020 to March 2021: Artwork installed.
