Public art - Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What kind of artwork is appropriate?

The work must be contemporary. The work should be tailored to the site and client, and should be an excellent example of the artist's work, as the Tasmanian Government's Art Site scheme is a state collection of contemporary art.

The scheme includes work in a wide range of formats. Examples include: paving designs, drinking fountains, glass panels, signage, seating, reception counters, display cases, screen savers, sculptures, paintings, photographs, prints, textile works, customised fittings, fixtures and furnishings, floor covering designs, bas-relief works, gates, screens, soundscapes and video...the possibilities are wide and varied.

Who is eligible?

Professional contemporary artists, craftspeople and furniture designers living in all regions of Tasmania are eligible to apply.

Early-career artists, indigenous artists, artists from non-english speaking backgrounds, and artists working with new media and genres are encouraged to apply, as these groups are not currently well represented in the scheme.

Hobby artists, community artists and ‘traditional’ artists are not eligible to apply. Arts Tasmania's criteria for assessing grant applications are pertinent to the Scheme.

How do I find out about projects?

New projects are listed on the arts@work website under www.arts.tas.gov.au/publicart
Register to receive the arts@work e-newsletter, arts-e newsbyte, and receive new commission opportunities emailed to you every second Monday morning.

You can also join our monthly newsletter group by emailing public.art@artsatwork.com.au for up-to-date news and tips.

How can I promote myself as a potential artist for commissions?

Build your credentials - complete your art, craft or design degree, exhibit regularly in reputable galleries, enter awards, and seek buyers from public collections. Make sure you keep your CV up to date, and document all your work in a high-quality digital image master file, so that you are ready to apply for suitable opportunities as soon as they arise. We don't keep CVs or images on file, so it's up to you to submit an expression of interest with current material when you are interested in a particular commission.

The scheme staff are interested in your forthcoming exhibitions, installations etc, so remember to send them an invitation, catalogue and press release! If you are a recent art school graduate, or a professional contemporary artist new to Tasmania, please contact the Tasmanian Government's Art Site Officer on (03) 6237 6312 to show them your portfolio or arrange a studio visit.

Our Tasmanian Government's Art Site consultant, can advise you about opportunities beyond the scheme, including commission projects in local government, the private sector and interstate, and can assist interested artists to pursue these opportunities.

What is required within an expression of interest for a project? Is a design fee paid to artists for expressions of interest?

An expression of interest usually comprises good quality images of recent work, a CV and a written application form. If the selection panel cannot make a selection on the basis of initial expressions of interest, two or three artists will be invited to submit a more detailed proposal with drawings or models, in which case they will be paid a design fee.

How are artists selected?

Artists are chosen for each commission by a panel comprising the building user, the project architect, the government department responsible for the building (for example Education Department), and a representative from arts@work. Selection criteria relate to the objectives of the scheme, artistic qualifications and experience, and the particular needs of each project.