Burwood Council is inviting artists to submit an Expression of Interest to propose a contemporary artwork concept that is suitable for display across multiple sites and formats. Selected designs will be exhibited on hoardings and shopfront decals over the program period, contributing to a visually engaging public domain.

Burwood Council is committed to activating contemporary public art that reflects the unique character and identity of the Burwood LGA. To support this commitment, Council is bringing together its Hoarding Artworks Program and Art Front (Licence to Play) initiative to deliver a unified public art opportunity for artists.

The Hoarding Artworks Program provides opportunities for artwork to be displayed on temporary construction hoardings, improving amenity and contributing to a more engaging streetscape during development. The Art Front (Licence to Play) Program supports the installation of artworks on vacant shopfronts, activating commercial frontages and creating visual engagement in an otherwise vacant space.

Council aims to commission artwork designs that are adaptable across multiple display formats and locations, contributing to a vibrant, accessible, and visually engaging public environment.

Burwood is positioned as Sydney's Cultural Playground, and artwork generated through this program will contribute to the visual identity of the LGA, enhancing public space for residents, visitors, and workers.

The selected artists will be responsible for the design of the artwork, including:

• Development of a vector file original contemporary artwork suitable for medium to large scale developments. The artwork will be required to allow for resizing and repetition upon itself to accommodate different sized hoardings and art front decals. Please note: due to the nature of hoardings, elements of the artwork may need to be cropped or resized in order to fit onto the installation.
• Granting Council a non-exclusive licence to reproduce and exhibit the artwork across approved hoardings and shopfront sites for the agreed program period.

The selected artists will not be responsible for fabrication or installation of artworks.

Artwork outcomes must:

• Be adaptable across varying site dimensions
• Be responsive to Burwood's identity and local context
• Be visually engaging and appropriate for display in public-facing environments
• Be suitable for vinyl reproduction and large-format application.

While artists are not required to respond to a specific narrative, proposals should demonstrate a meaningful connection to the Burwood community. This may be explored through themes such as place, identity, diversity, play, or everyday life within Burwood.

Council is seeking to commission four contemporary artworks that are adaptable, visually engaging, and capable of creating moments of interest and excitement within the public environment.

Please submit your proposal in the form below by Tuesday 31 March, 2026, 5pm. Please ensure the following is included in the proposal:

• Relevant experience: examples of previous public artworks (up to six images) demonstrating artistic style and approach.
• Concept proposal: A written artwork proposal, inclusive of conceptual approach, techniques, and stylistic direction (maximum 400 words)
• Project delivery: Confirmation of capacity to deliver the artwork design in accordance with the outlined project specifications.

How many artworks will be commissioned?

Four artworks will be commissioned.

What are the fees?

Each selected artist will receive the following:

$2,000.00 (excl. GST) design fee
$3,000.00 (excl. GST) artwork licensing fee for 3 years

Is this proposal a request for final designs?

No. Artists are invited to submit a concept proposal. Final artwork designs will be developed in consultation with Council following selection.

Who owns the copyright to this artwork?

The artist retains copyright. Council will be granted a non-exclusive licence to reproduce and exhibit the artwork for the agreed period. For more information on artwork licensing, please visit ArtsHub Licensing page here.

When will the program commence?

The program will commence from July 2026

How does the Art Front (Licence to Play) differ?

The Art Front Program supports the installation of artwork on vacant shopfronts. Council works with property owners and businesses to facilitate artwork placements. The artists commissioned in this EOI may have their work reproduced for these sites, subject to site suitability.