We are seeking to commission a suitably qualified and experienced artist or creative team to develop a public artwork that will serve as a significant cultural asset for the Armstrong Creek community.
The work will be considered a significant cultural asset in the City of Greater Geelong's public art collection and a point of interest for residents and visitors to the library, further consolidating Geelong's reputation and international status as a UNESCO City of Design.
The budget for the commission is up to $80,000 plus GST.
Overview
As the first social civic infrastructure in Victoria's growing regional suburb of Armstrong Creek, the Library and Community Hub is set to be an important place for lifelong learning, social connection and building a sense of community. The fluid waterways of this landscape to the Wadawurrung People are part of a much larger ecology and have been a natural meeting point and travelling route for centuries offering a place of sustenance, fluidity, fertility and spirituality, known as 'Living Water'.
Just as Living Water gathers and nourishes us, our vision for the new library and community hub is to gather and nourish the people of Armstrong Creek at a central meeting point; a place of inspiration where the community and future generations can thrive together. The site has views to Wurdi Youang (the You Yangs) and Mount Duneed, and is near to Lake Connewarre, all of which are significant places for Wadawurrung People. Buchan architects worked with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the City in developing a 'Living Water' design narrative.
The Armstrong Creek Town Centre Library Public Art Commission aims to exemplify the vision for public art as expressed in the City of Greater Geelong's Public Art Strategy (see reference below) and consider the unique qualities of the site, place and culture of the region.
Context
Artists are invited to submit proposals that represent their work in the context of contemporary public art practice. Proposals should have a clear design logic and intent, demonstrating a considered approach to the site and the importance of public art in enriching the built and cultural fabric of a civic space.
Artists are invited to consider the following themes as a part of preparing a response (Note: these are a guide and not to be considered mandatory criteria):
- The site has been developed with the concept of "Living Water" as a metaphor running through both the outdoor and indoor spaces.
- Artists may choose to develop a contemporary work that brings a distinctive alternative offering to the space, contrasting with the "Living Water" narrative.
- Proximity/views to significant places: Wurdi Youang (the You Yangs) and Mount Duneed, and Lake Connewarre
- A natural meeting point for social connection
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists are encouraged to submit proposals. Artists who are not of Wadawurrung cultural heritage will require endorsement from Wadawurrung Traditional Owners if the artist intends to reference Wadawurrung culture in their work.
About Council's Public Art Strategy
This Commission aims to support Council's existing Public Art Strategy, and the following Purpose Statement:
The Public Art Strategy has been developed in recognition that the City of Greater Geelong has a long history and a strong ongoing commitment to commissioning artworks for public spaces across the Municipality. The City has a significant Public Places Art Collection of artworks and monuments – one of the largest in Victoria – in its parks, foreshores and streets and Council wishes to guide the ongoing maintenance of existing artwork and the strategic commissioning of new artwork.
Art can play a key role in creating quality public places, telling local stories and expressing civic pride. Public art has a further role to play developing cohesive communities and enhancing cultural identity. The role of art in urban design, place making, and spatial activation is also widely recognised for community benefits of: increased public safety; an improved sense of community connection, ownership and care for the civic environment; community confidence; and increased levels of use resulting in greater passive surveillance of public facilities. Public plays an important role in the cultural vision for the City of Greater Geelong where creativity flourishes and design drives an exceptional quality of life for our community.
Site location
Armstrong Creek is the Southern growth corridor in the City of Greater Geelong providing housing for an anticipated 55,000 to 65,000 residents. The new library will be housed in the Armstrong Creek Town Centre - 20 Main Street in Armstrong Creek 3217. Directly opposite the Town Square and shopping centre it will provide a vital piece of social infrastructure for residents.
The location for the sculpture is adjacent to the front entrance for the library. The site will enable the artwork to be appreciated from all angles within the landscaped forecourt area.
The height of the overhang is approximately 12-13 metres, and the expected footprint of the work is 2m in diameter (indicated in red). The final artwork must consider the sight lines from the library to the surrounding area, and not obstruct the sightlines or access around the entrance of the library.
See end of document for site plans. More detail available upon request.
