Public Art Project Brief
Mega fauna Public Art Project
Applications close: Monday 5 January, 2015
Installation date: 16 – 26 October 2015
Budget: unfunded
Background:
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council acknowledges public art as contributing to and
expressing cultural identity, providing and supporting cultural activity and developing tourism
and cultural industries.
In collaboration with the Lancefield community, Museum Victoria, Wurundjeri Tribe and
Macedon Ranges Shire Council an event will be held in Lancefield to celebrate the story of
the mega fauna bones found in the region in the mid 19thC.
As part of these celebrations it was decided to seek funding from the State Government to
pay for a number of art installations around the Lancefield Township on the topic of mega
fauna, climate change and its Traditional Owners.
The funding body provides up to $75,000 for new works by emerging or professional artists. It
is the hope of the organising committee and Council that this will provide funds for a number
of artists (depending on their fees) plus a project manager.
It is important to the committee and Council that the project will provide:
 Opportunities for artists to create new works around a theme that is unique to the
town.
 That artists will have an opportunity to work alongside/or collaborate with other artists.
 That the community will be engage the artists and their works on many levels.
 That visitors from outside the region will take the opportunity to come to Lancefield
during the celebrations to see the works and join the township’s celebrations
Project Scope:
Submissions are called for, from suitably experienced artists to create a public art installation
in Lancefield interpreting the topic mega fauna, climate change and Traditional Owners.
We are seeking works that will enliven the spaces around the township. These ephemeral
works will be on display during a seven day event where the community will hold activities
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around the same theme. In is envisaged that works will be available to be viewed by the
public 24 hours a day however this can be negotiated between the panel and the artist.
The constraints will be that the works will be in the elements and depending on the artist’s
choice of location for their installation, unsecured.
Project viability:
 The artist/s must have a demonstrated capacity to implement the project within their
specified budget.
 The artist must demonstrate that the project can be achieved within the agreed
timeline.
 Demonstrated capacity to achieve and realise installation projects
 Consideration of the artworks durability for the period of the installation
 The proposal must include logistical plan and installation costs
 Ensuring the safety of the public when installing and when they access the work
Sustainability:
Demonstrate commitment to reducing carbon footprint
Responsibilities:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council will:
 Seek all relevant approvals for locating the work on the site
 Create contract
 Provide information to community and media reports on the project
 Council will assist where possible depending on installation logistics
The artist will:
 Provide a design that meets the needs of the project topics
 Provide realistic estimate of installation costs
 Design a work that will be robust against the elements and physically accessible for
the community
 Clearly understand the legislative requirements of local government when it comes to
public safety
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Art in the public domain:
 The artwork should consider the experience of people living with disability and ensure
that, where possible, accessible features such as tactile and auditory elements are
included, and that print pieces relating to the artwork are offered in alternative formats.
 Artworks need to consider the existing public lighting
 The artworks design will not expose sharp edges; create trip hazards or other potential
risks.
Budget:
There is no allocated budget for this project. Funding will be sought from State Government
once artists have been selected.
Eligibility:
All Australian-based residents are eligible to apply. Artists who are not Australian citizens or
permanent resident must hold an appropriate visa, valid for the duration of the commission
and the installation process.
This is an open Expression of Interest process where the Macedon Ranges Shire Council
and nominated representatives will review all submissions.
Ineligible submissions will be:
 Where artists lobby or canvass a Councillor, or Macedon Ranges Shire Council staff
member (other than the Councils contact officer), or selection panel members in
relation to their EOI
 Incomplete, late or faxed submissions will not be accepted
Assessment criteria:
 Previous experience in preparing and carrying out installations in public spaces
 Understanding of the process involved and factors to be considered in undertaking
ephemeral commissions
 Demonstrated ability to work in collaboration with other artists
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Ability to work within agreed timeframes
Quality and suitability of the concept proposal
Artistic merit and conceptual integrity, including the capacity to attract, engage and
transform people’s perceptions of their chosen site.
Understanding of the cultural environment and requirements of the project
Submission requirements and considerations:
Information required
To express interest in this project, artists need to supply:
1. A drawing of their concept for an art installation in the Lancefield township
2. A location for their proposal
3. Written consent from the owner of the proposed land, structure or building for the art
installation
4. Documented process for installation and de-installation of works
5. A realistic budget proposal for the creation and installation of the work
For further information please contact Robyn Till on rtill@mrsc.vic.gov.au 54220319
0407 427 319
Please send your application to:
Mega Fauna project
Arts & Culture
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
PO Box 151
Kyneton 3444
mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
NB: Applications must be received by 5.00
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pm Monday 2 February 2015