Calling all Wurundjeri and Bunurong Artists

ICON Construction and Little Rocket creative agency invite First Nations Bunurong/Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung artists to submit their interest for this unique placemaking project. We warmly welcome both emerging and professional artists from diverse creative backgrounds and practices to create culturally significant artwork that celebrates culture, heritage, and creativity.

About the Project

This project is made possible through Homes Victoria's award-winning Ground Lease Model 1 and 2 projects. The ICON First Nations Expression of Interest (EOI) presents the opportunity for First Nations artists to enrich the cultural landscape and community identity of five new housing developments across Victoria. These artists will contribute culturally significant and inspiring art, fostering community pride and a sense of belonging for vulnerable Victorians who will call these places home. Located on Bunurong/Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung land across Victoria, each site presents a significant opportunity for celebrating the rich heritage of the First Nations peoples on whose land these developments will stand, providing a meaningful platform for artistic expression and community engagement.

Artwork

The artwork must be original and draw inspiration from each site's cultural heritage, focusing on themes like 'Waterways & Caring for Country', 'Connection to Country', and 'Community'. Artists are encouraged to explore the waterways, stories, native flora, and fauna integral to the history and cultural landscape of each site. More information on the waterways can be found in the Murri Yul study here.

The successful artwork will reflect the cultural significance of each site and deepen understanding of First Nations history, connection to Country, and sense of belonging through traditional storytelling. Envisioned to be integrated across various mediums, including landscaping elements, pathways, sculpture, murals, and signage at each respective site, the successful artist will collaborate closely with our design team to ensure a unified artistic outcome that resonates culturally, respectfully, and meaningfully.

Payment

A creative fee of up to $10,000 inc GST and $20,000 inc GST for artwork licensing. Please provide a detailed budget for your artwork, along with artist fees, site visits, and materials in your application. For mural or sculpture artists, please provide any additional costs for artwork production and installation to be considered and covered separately from the creative fee, if applicable.

Artwork Site Workshops

We encourage artists to participate in the Artist Site workshops, offering detailed information and valuable opportunities for direct interaction with our design team experts. These sessions enable artists to integrate their artistic vision with site requirements, gaining comprehensive insight into the site canvas. Topics covered include ‘Project Overview’, ‘Design Considerations’, ‘Licensing’, ‘Wayfinding and Signage Integration’, ‘Submission Guidelines’, and ‘Requirements’, followed by a Q&A session for artists.

Please note that workshops are now closed.

EOI Submission Requirements

Eligibility

Submissions are open to First Nations artists who identify as Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung or Bunurong/Boon Wurrung, who are living on or off Country. Artists who identify from more than one Country are invited to submit applications to one or more sites. We warmly welcome both emerging and established First Nations artists to apply, fostering a diverse and inclusive artistic community.

Submit your EOI Application

To submit your application, please use the link below. We encourage all interested artists to apply and showcase their creativity. Don't miss this opportunity—start your application now!

Artist Selection Process

Round 1: Shortlisting by TO and Little Rocket

Little Rocket will consult with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Land Council Traditional Owners to curate a shortlist of artists from the EOIs, evaluating eligibility based on Country and cultural considerations. Shortlisted artists will progress to round 2 of artist selection.

Round 2: Artist Selection Panel

A panel including the ICON head design teams for each site, Little Rocket arts management team and wayfinding experts will assess the shortlisted artists' applications following a comprehensive selection criteria matrix, encompassing considerations such as project goals, cultural and community impact, creativity, innovative approach, theme alignment, story, budget, production capacity, and feasibility. The final selected artist for each site will be notified on 8 August 2024.

FAQs

We strongly encourage artists to attend the site workshops for in-depth information on each site and submission enquiries. Should you have any questions or require further information on EOI submission, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@littlerocket.com.au

Key Dates