Saltwater Swim School Public Art Project

Saltwater Swim School Public Art Project is an opportunity for an artist or artist collective to produce an artwork for installation on the side of Saltwater Swim School, Point Cook, by a specialist team on the artist/collective’s behalf, unless otherwise agreed with the artist/collective. Installation of the selected artwork will be in September 2024.

Project Background

Wyndham City Council has invited expressions of interest from artists who live, work in or have a strong connection to Wyndham to have their artwork permanently displayed at Saltwater Swim School. Expressions of Interest have now closed.

Council’s Arts team have conducted community engagement in partnership with Saltwater Swim School and Community Centre to develop the background and themes for a new public art commission for the Swim School external walls.

First peoples and multicultural communities were strongly encouraged to apply.

Project Objectives

• The proposed artwork will be installed on the external façade of the Saltwater Swim School. The façade features two panels on which artwork will be installed, the left panel is 14.17m long x 4.2m high, the right panel is 9.2m long x 4.2m high.
• To improve community connection to the area
• To represent the cultural diversity and background of the community
• To showcase local artists

A project working group shortlists three artists for initial designs with a $500 payment for each artist. There is an appointed artist’s fee for the final selected artwork design of $2,500. There is an extra allocation of funds for the install of the artwork, which can be discussed with the appointed artist and may be contracted out by the project working group if required.

Council expects:

• Submissions should add positively to the public space of Saltwater Community Centre and Swim School
• Submissions should reflect the history, community, and unique qualities of the local area.
• The artwork does not need to be new work, it can be existing artwork revised to fit the space, but it will need to fit the themes of the brief.

Applications assessment is against the following key assessment criteria:

• Meeting project eligibility requirements
• Alignment with project objectives
• Previous projects of relevance and significance
• Demonstration of capacity for delivery of the proposed work in the proposed timeframe

Responsibilities of successful applicants – design only

• Provide initial concept for approval by Wyndham City Council and the project working group.
• Provide final artwork /designs based on material specifications.
• Liaise with Council on key project and site requirements and concept development

Responsibilities of successful applicants – installation only

• Work collaboratively with Council and contractor on install if required Artist Public Liability ($20,000,000) and Professional Indemnity ($5,000,000) insurance – condition of acceptance
• Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or Safe Working Method (SWMS) document provided by Artist/contractor for installation
• CovidSafe Plan provided by Artist/contractor for installation
• Defect guarantee provided by Artist/contractor for installation
• The artwork will need to be completed by 30 September 2024

Enquiries

For enquiries about the expression of interest process, please contact the Public Art & Collections Officer, Roland Henry at roland.henry@wyndham.vic.gov.au

Picture Credit: Wyndham City Council