Artists sought for new Perth museum public art project

The Western Australian Government is calling on artists to contribute public art to reflect and interpret the stories of Western Australia for the new WA Museum project (New Museum for Western Australia).

Located in the heart of Perth’s Cultural Centre and described as one of the most significant museum redevelopments taking place in the world, the $1.6 million public art commission is being planned as key part of the  $428.3 million museum prject that will open its doors in 2020.

Inviting artists to submit expressions of interest, Western Australian Museum Chief Executive Alec Coles explained that creative responses are being sought from individuals or teams of artists, stating “I have a completely open mind in terms of the types of public art that could reflect the history, creativity and diversity of our State.

“I’m extremely excited at the prospect of seeing the expressions of interest.”

Western Australian Culture and the Arts Minister John Day commented “the new museum is a truly exciting project that provides a unique opportunity to showcase the stories of our people and places to the world.

"Public art will be a key element of the visitor experience helping to define what makes the new museum different and memorable."

 The public art commission will be offered to an artist team to develop either a single work or multiple works who will work closely with the successful managing contractor and WA Museum content teams.

Minister Day said public art was part of the ongoing transformation of Perth as a vibrant, modern and creative city, adding “public art significantly contributes to the quality of the built environment and major projects such as the Fiona Stanley Hospital, new children's hospital and Elizabeth Quay have already benefited from innovative artworks that bring a new level of design excellence and visitor engagement to these sites.”

It is envisaged that the public artwork will play a significant role in defining what will make the New Museum unique and memorable.

Artists will be active participants in the creation of the identity and visitor experience for the new museum. The project has the potential for artists and artist teams to work alongside architects, designers, curators, diverse cultural groups and the wider community.

The new museum public artist team is expected to be appointed in mid-2016.

Expression of Interest must be submitted by 2.30pm on Wednesday 13th April 2016

For more information about the New Museum for WA and the Public Art Project go to www.museum.wa.gov.au/publicart 

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