Public Art Unit
As the agency responsible for the delivery of the majority of the Queensland Government’s capital works building program, Project Services has a vital role to play in the procurement of public art.
Since the inception of the Art Built-in policy in 1999, Project Services Public Art Unit has taken the lead in managing more then 100 public art projects with a combined value in excess of $10 million across the length and breadth of the State, from Coolangatta in the south, to Mount Isa in the west, and Thursday Island in the north.
Artwork commissions overseen by Project Services Public Art Unit have ranged from integrated architectural features, furniture and carpet design to iconic sculptures, digital media, and community engagement projects with installations in tertiary education facilities, government office buildings, cultural facilities, sporting stadia, court houses, hospitals and public plazas and parklands. Our clients range from state and local government departments and agencies, not-for-profit organisations, and community-based organisations, to corporate entities, and private sector developers and builders.
The Public Art Unit brings together the building industry and professional artists to create vibrant and distinctive built environments that engage and inspire the community.
We strive to deliver excellence and set international benchmark standards in the procurement and management of public art in the government, corporate, and community sectors.
The Public Art Unit manages the procurement of artwork either through voluntary commissioning or through the Queensland Government’s Public Art Fund, art+place. Artworks are typically procured through commissions, purchase, design by community workshops or artist’s residencies. The Public Art Unit has access to Queensland’s leading contemporary visual artists, ranging from emerging to established artists.
With the support of other professional design consultancies within Project Services such as engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and risk management, The Public Art Unit offers a multidisciplinary approach to the procurement of public art. Further, the Public Art Unit has established successful working relationships with a number of leading contractors specialising in the fabrication of public art, such as Albert Smith Group, Digiglass, Urban Art Projects, and Alderley Steelworks, some of whom are internationally recognised.
Services offered include:
- Providing expert advice on the interpretation and operation of art+place and assist with the preparation and submission of EOI documents to receive public art funding;
- Scoping and master planning for the procurement of public art commissions and programs; and
- Managing the selection and engagement of public art consultants and monitoring consultant performance.
- Developing the artwork commissioning plan;
- Scoping artwork opportunities and curatorial rationale;
- Co-ordination of project design teams;
- Community and stakeholder engagement with public art projects;
- Curatorial services (selection of artists);
- Managing the artwork concept design and development stages;
- Risk assessment of artists’ designs;
- Managing the artwork commissioning, timeframe and budget; and
- Providing expert advice to clients, consultants, building contractors, project managers, artists, and arts industry professionals during the life of a project.
As of 1st July 2007, the Art Built-in policy ceased and the Queensland Government introduced a new $12 million public art fund which is to be disbursed over a three-year period.
Through the Queensland Public Art Fund, art+place, Queensland Government departments and agencies, can now apply for 100% of public art project costs for permanent artworks and up to $50,000 per annum for temporary public art projects. Local government and not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations and festivals may apply for up to $50,000 per annum, and Private Developers may apply for up to $25,000 toward the costs involved with public art projects.
Project Services’ Public Art Unit has the expertise to advise and assist with the preparation and submission of documents to receive public art funding and manage all aspects of artwork implementation. Each funding application to art+place will be assessed by a curatorial panel, a Ministerial appointment of Arts Queensland.
The funding process begins with an Expression of Interest (EOI) application, which Project Services’ Public Art Unit can assist you in completing. Once the curatorial panel accepts the EOI a three-stage commissioning process will be undertaken, as outlined below:
- Stage 1: Artwork Commissioning Plan
- Stage 2: Concept Design and Development
- Stage 3: Artwork Commission
Project Services’ Public Art Unit can manage each of these stages to achieve excellent results.
The art + place policy, guidelines and expression of interest forms can be downloaded from www.arts.qld.gov.au/art+place
For further information about the Public Art Unit and public art commissioning contact Christine Murray, Senior Procurement Manager, on (07) 3224 4424 or email christine.murray@projectservices.qld.gov.au.
Public Art UnitHealth Law and Order Portfolio
Project Services
Department of Public Works
GPO Box 2906