Deadline: 14-Jul-2026
The City of Melbourne, in partnership with the Hero Apartment Building Owners Corporation, is inviting visual artists from Victoria and First Nations artists with a strong connection to Country to apply for a major public art commission. The selected artwork will be displayed on the Hero Apartment Building in Melbourne for approximately six months, providing significant public visibility and professional recognition.
Shortlisted artists will receive $1,000 AUD to develop artwork concepts, while the final selected artist will receive $6,000 AUD to refine and deliver the final artwork for production.
About the Public Art Commission
The City of Melbourne and the Hero Apartment Building Owners Corporation are seeking a large-scale public artwork for display on the front façade of the Hero Apartment Building in Melbourne, Australia.
This initiative supports contemporary visual arts and aims to transform a prominent urban space into a platform for artistic expression and community engagement. The project encourages diverse artistic voices and seeks artwork that can create meaningful public interaction within Melbourne’s city environment.
The selected artwork will be digitally reproduced and installed on the Russell Street frontage of the building, making it visible to thousands of residents, workers, and visitors.
Key Highlights
- Billboard-scale public art commission
- Display location: Hero Apartment Building, Melbourne
- Exhibition period of approximately six months
- Open to Victorian artists and eligible First Nations artists
- Shortlisted artists receive $1,000 AUD each
- Final selected artist receives $6,000 AUD
- Printing, installation, and de-installation costs fully covered
- Artwork added to the City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection
- Sustainability-focused recycling of vinyl materials after display
Purpose of the Commission
The commission aims to support contemporary visual artists while enhancing Melbourne’s public spaces through accessible outdoor art.
Key objectives include:
- Supporting contemporary visual practice
- Increasing public access to art outside traditional gallery spaces
- Encouraging community engagement through public artworks
- Showcasing diverse artistic perspectives
- Promoting cultural inclusion and representation
- Activating urban environments through creative expression
Who Is Eligible?
Applications are open to:
- Visual artists currently living in Victoria, Australia
- First Nations artists with a strong connection to Country
The City of Melbourne particularly encourages applications from:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists
- d/Deaf artists
- Disabled artists
- Neurodiverse artists
- LGBTIQA+ artists
- Artists from diverse cultural backgrounds
Funding and Artist Payments
The selection process includes multiple funded stages.
Shortlisted Artist Funding
Between three and five artists will be shortlisted.
Each shortlisted artist will receive:
- $1,000 AUD
This payment supports the development of a detailed artwork concept proposal.
Final Artist Commission
One artist will be selected to complete the project.
The selected artist will receive:
- $6,000 AUD
This funding supports:
- Refinement of the chosen artwork
- Preparation of final production files
- Delivery of artwork ready for large-scale printing
How the Selection Process Works
Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest
Eligible artists submit an application outlining their artistic practice, experience, and suitability for the commission.
Step 2: Shortlisting
A selection panel reviews all applications and chooses between three and five artists to proceed to the next stage.
Step 3: Concept Development
Shortlisted artists develop and submit detailed artwork proposals.
Each shortlisted artist receives a $1,000 AUD development fee.
Step 4: Final Selection
One artist is selected based on artistic quality, relevance to the site, public impact, and alignment with project objectives.
Step 5: Artwork Production
The selected artist prepares final artwork files for large-scale production and installation.
Artwork Installation and Display
The final artwork will be:
- Digitally printed in full colour
- Produced on vinyl material
- Installed on the Russell Street frontage of the Hero Apartment Building
- Displayed for approximately six months
The City of Melbourne will cover all costs associated with:
- Printing
- Installation
- De-installation
This allows the artist to focus on the creative development of the project without additional production expenses.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This commission provides significant benefits for participating artists.
Key advantages include:
- High-profile public exposure in Melbourne
- Professional public art experience
- Financial support during the selection process
- Opportunity to engage with a large audience
- Inclusion in a major city-supported arts initiative
- Long-term recognition through collection inclusion
For many artists, large-scale public art commissions can strengthen portfolios and create future opportunities within the public arts sector.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
The project includes a sustainability-focused approach to material use.
After the exhibition period ends:
- The vinyl artwork material will be recycled where possible
- Materials may be transformed into products such as tote bags and beach bags
- Waste reduction initiatives will be incorporated into the project lifecycle
This approach supports environmentally responsible public art practices.
Inclusion in the City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection
In addition to the physical installation, a digital version of the selected artwork will become part of the City of Melbourne’s Art and Heritage Collection.
This provides:
- Long-term preservation of the artwork
- Recognition within Melbourne’s cultural archives
- Continued public access to the commissioned work
- Ongoing visibility beyond the exhibition period
Tips for a Strong Application
Artists can improve their applications by:
- Demonstrating strong visual impact in previous work
- Highlighting experience with public or large-scale projects
- Showing connections to community, place, or culture
- Including a well-curated portfolio
- Clearly communicating their artistic vision
- Following all application requirements carefully
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the following when applying:
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Providing low-quality portfolio images
- Ignoring the large-scale nature of the project
- Failing to demonstrate public engagement potential
- Using generic artist statements that lack relevance to the opportunity
- Missing submission deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Hero Apartment Building Public Art Commission?
The opportunity is open to artists living in Victoria and First Nations artists with a strong connection to Country.
How many artists will be shortlisted?
Between three and five artists will be shortlisted to develop concept proposals.
How much do shortlisted artists receive?
Each shortlisted artist receives $1,000 AUD for concept development.
What is the payment for the selected artist?
The final selected artist receives $6,000 AUD to refine and deliver the final artwork files.
How long will the artwork be displayed?
The artwork will be displayed for approximately six months on the Hero Apartment Building.
Who covers production and installation costs?
The City of Melbourne covers printing, installation, and de-installation expenses.
What happens to the artwork after the exhibition?
The vinyl material may be recycled into products such as tote bags and beach bags, while a digital version of the artwork will be included in the City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection.
Conclusion
The City of Melbourne Hero Apartment Building Public Art Commission offers Victorian and First Nations artists an opportunity to create a highly visible large-scale artwork in one of Melbourne’s urban environments. With funding available at both the shortlisting and final selection stages, full production support, public exposure, and inclusion in the City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection, the commission represents a valuable opportunity for artists seeking to expand their public art practice and contribute to Melbourne’s cultural landscape.
For more information, visit City of Melbourne.
