First Nations artists invited to create artwork for the QCCP

Published on 14 February 2023

Photo from inside the new QCCP as it is under construction

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from First Nations artists to create an original initial concept for an Acknowledgement of Country artwork for the new Queanbeyan Civic and Cultural Precinct (QCCP).

The art project is being fully funded by the NSW Government through Round 5 of the Department of Regional NSW’s Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF).

‘Thanks to the NSW Government for providing $195,700 to make this project possible,’ Mayor Kenrick Winchester said.

‘This is a great opportunity to work with local First Nations artists to pay respect and celebrate the First Nations culture and history of our region.’

The eventual artwork resulting from the concept will be installed in either the foyer or forecourt, or both, of the new QCCP building currently being constructed on Crawford Street, Queanbeyan. The QCCP is expected to be open to the public in mid-2023.

The Acknowledgement of Country artwork is just one aspect of the overall project. The funding also provides for artwork in the walkway that will connect the building forecourt and the public domain, screen projections onto the QCCP building, as well as seating, hand rails and native plantings to support Aboriginal education activities.    

EOI submissions must include a working title for the design, a maximum 250-word detailed artist concept statement, and a maximum 50-word artist concept summary of the wider statement. An artist visual concept must be provided which can be created in any medium such as a 3D model, hand-drawn piece, or digital creation. A completed artwork does not need to be submitted at this stage.

Eligible applicants must be of First Nations descent and over 18 years of age. First Nations creatives with traditional cultural links and who live within the local or regional area will be considered with greater weight to ensure the final artwork maintains a direct Connection to Country.

Round 5 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund prioritises projects that promote accessibility and inclusion for people with disability and improve outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 5pm Monday 27 February 2023 to procurement@qprc.nsw.gov.au

For more information go to www.qprc.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-Business/Public-Notices