Collaborative approach to celebrate significance of cultural landmarks

City of Newcastle is taking the first steps towards engaging local Aboriginal communities to develop public art at four of the city’s significant cultural landmarks.

Stage two of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade, the King Edward Park section of Bathers Way and projects on Union Street, Wickham and Market Street in the East End have been identified as key opportunities to share cultural knowledge and stories.

Expressions of interest are currently open for Aboriginal persons or organisations with knowledge of the cultural significance of these sites.

Selected representatives will participate in the development of Aboriginal public art including creating themes to inspire the work, developing the artwork requirements and shortlisting artists.

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, proud Wiradjuri woman and co-chairperson of City of Newcastle’s Guraki Standing Committee, said this is a fantastic opportunity for local Aboriginal communities to be directly involved in influencing the knowledge and stories that are shared.

“We are committed to recognising and building on the rich cultural history of the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and play,” Cr Richardson said.

“These public places have incredible cultural significance to the Awabakal and Worimi peoples and to the broader community, and provide meaningful opportunities to share stories and experience connection with Country.

“By incorporating art into public places, we’re able to encourage cultural, spiritual and social connection and invite people to learn about the ongoing relationship our Traditional Custodians have with the land.”

City of Newcastle has developed a robust process for commissioning Aboriginal public artworks guided by the National Association of Visual Arts, Sydney Metro Art Program and Connecting with Country Framework.

The approach has been endorsed by City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee and Public Art Standing Committee.

Potential opportunities for public art may include murals, sculptures, design features in pavement and street furniture, signage and walking trails.

A separate expression of interest process for artists will be launched in the first half of 2026, with a variety of minor to major artwork projects encouraging broader participation.

Shortlisted artists for each artwork project will be invited to submit a concept design and will receive a nominated fee.

Once artworks are commissioned, members of the Representative Core Group will continue to work with artists to bring the creative vision to life.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said this will ensure the process of commissioning public artworks is fair, transparent and provides equal opportunities for artists at all stages of their career.

“The approach is centred on collaboration with local Aboriginal communities to ensure public artworks are meaningful, reflective and honour the heritage and stories of local Aboriginal peoples,” Ms Morton said.

“Early career artists will be offered mentorship and professional development, along with the unique opportunity to create something in the public realm and contribute to Newcastle’s appeal as an arts and cultural destination.

“Public art in these locations will further help to create vibrant public places that are visually appealing, welcoming and contribute to a sense of place and identity.”

Aboriginal persons or organisations with cultural knowledge of the identified sites and an interest in guiding the development of public art are encouraged to register their interest before 21 November.

For more information visit City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say webpage.