Progressing your public art idea

1. Get inspired: Read the MidCoast Cultural Plan 2036, talk to local artists, and explore public art in your area.

2. Research your idea: Review the Public Art Policy and our website and contact the Public Art Working Group for more information. Consider possible sites and research great public art.

3. Make your plan: Create a project plan that includes commissioning models, site selection, budget, funding, and community engagement.

4. Apply for approval: Complete the Public Art Proposal form and wait for assessment by the Public Art Working Group, following the Public Art Policy.

5. Commission: Refine your project plan, liaise with Council staff to meet WHS requirements, and develop, construct and install your artwork.

6. Celebrate: Officially launch your artwork, share it with the community, and document the work.

7. Manage: Establish a maintenance program and evaluate the project to maintain best practice in public art commissioning.

8. Deaccession: The Public Art Working Group creates a report about the deaccession of the work, the work is removed, and records are updated.

Private land - If the site you have chosen is on private land, you do not need to submit your project to the Public Art Working Group for assessment. However, depending on the nature and location of the artwork you may need to submit a Development Application to Council.

Find out if your project needs a Development Application by contacting Council on (02) 7955 7777.

or via the website Plan & Build - MidCoast Council (nsw.gov.au)

Council owned or managed land - Sites on land owned or managed by Council require Public Art Working Group approval. To find out if Council owns or manages the site phone us on (02) 7955 7777.

Please note: If the installation of the work requires access and usage of Council owned or managed land you will need to seek approval from Council via the Public Art Proposal form and meet all WHS requirements.

Council staff meet every quarter (or as required) to discuss submissions. You can make a submission by filling out the Public Art Proposal form located below.

For further information please contact us on (02) 7955 7777 or email [email protected].

Enjoyment of art is subjective and it’s important to gain community feedback during the submission process.

Use public noticeboards, surveys and emails to community groups to contact site stakeholders. Community support assists in your submission to the Public Art Working Group.

• Public liability insurance (up to $20 million) is required for installations on public land. You will need a certificate of currency to begin the project.
• Artwork submissions for Council managed land may be affected by a Native Title claim. In this instance a Native Title assessment must be undertaken. This will affect the processing time of your submission.
• Is the site heritage listed? More information can be found about heritage listings at here. Heritage Advisor work is currently being completed by Council staff. Contact Council for more information.
• Public art projects often have hidden costs and it is important you consider these in your budget. Hidden costs may include installation materials and equipment, traffic or pedestrian management during installation, engineer reports and ongoing maintenance.
• Who will own the artwork once it is completed? Refer to the Public Art Proposal and the Copyright Act (1968).
• Council has the right to relocate or decommission public artworks under certain circumstances such as risk to public safety, excessive maintenance or development of the site.