Council seeks public-art vision for Byron foreshore

Byron Shire Council is seeking a curator or creative team to develop a public-art plan for Byron Bay’s foreshore, identifying potential sites and ways to share local culture and history.

Expressions of interest are open for a study of the Cavanbah foreshore, considering both temporary and permanent artwork and how the community could help shape future projects.

The commission follows council’s adoption of foreshore landscape concept plans, which identified culture and history as foundations for the area’s development.

Council’s acting arts and culture officer, Marisa Snow, said the study would explore possibilities rather than select an artwork.

‘The scoping study is not about delivering a predetermined outcome,’ Ms Snow said.

The study is intended to recognise the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal People’s continuing connection to the foreshore and explore how public art could strengthen connections to place and Country.

Ms Snow said proposals would also need to consider the coastline’s natural beauty and ‘fragile marine environment’.

The successful applicant will develop artistic themes, recommend possible sites and prepare a framework for consultation and future public-art projects.

Council is inviting applications from curators, public-art consultants and creative practitioners with experience in planning, cultural engagement and developing arts strategies.

Applicants must outline their relevant experience, proposed approach, artist-led consultation framework and budget.

The call is for a scoping study, rather than approval to install particular artworks or a public vote on proposed designs.

Expressions of interest close on December 3. Council’s Social and Cultural Planning Team will review submissions before presenting them to the Arts Advisory Committee for consideration.