Widjabul‐Wyabul (or Bundjalung) artists are being sought to create a new work of art in the Lismore quadrangle to be the focal point for the entrance to the new Lismore Regional Gallery. Located off Keen Street the new gallery will also house Arts Northern Rivers who will act as advocates for local artists on site.
The proposed art work will need to be created by drawing or painting, no sculpture is permitted, and aims ‘to provide strong recognition of the original custodians on which the Gallery will be sitting,’ according to the Lismore Council press release. The projects canvas is the existing brick wall adjacent to the car park, leading from Keen Street and is two storeys high. A number of existing feature also need to be incorporated into the project including air‐conditioning units, windows, and exhaust fans.
Mark Cora, the indigenous arts development officer from Arts Northern Rivers, said they are looking for local artists ‘who have the stories and understanding of the local area.’ This is an opportunity for the Bundjalung people to tell their stories and create a sense of ownership at the site.
Artists are being invited to submit an expression of interest that outlines their ideas – not the full design – about how they would approach the project. Three artists will be shortlisted and receive $500 to develop their ideas into a final concept over a two month period.
Projects can be designed by the commissioned artist and executed by contractors as well as including community participation. ‘Projects that utilise community participation, particularly with young Aboriginal people are also permissible,’ said the press release.
The budget for the commission is $38,000 including all costs associated with the piece. Expressions of interest can be submitted until February 10. For more information on submitting a proposal see Lismore Council website here or contact Brett Adlington on 02 66222209 or [email protected]. The final project is due to be completed by the 30 July 2017.
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