Public Art

Sebastian Di Mauro, The REEL Project (detail),
2010 Vardon Avenue, Rundle Street Integrated
Public Art Masterplan (IPAM)

Public Art is about artistic expression. Integral to the character of the City, in its diversity and quality it provides an insight into cultural life and community values. It plays a strong role in creating and celebrating the City’s sense of place and identity.

Adelaide has a rich heritage of commemorative sculptures and monuments and an increasing number of contemporary art works located within the urban context. The City supports the commissioning of a broad range of pieces that enhance the environment and communicate ideas that contribute to place making.

Works include sculptural installations, urban design and landscape related features, interpretive signage and temporary installations that activate public spaces.

A Public Art Walking Guide map is available for download here.

Please also refer to our sections on Public Art, Street Art and Aboriginal Commemorative Plaques and Public Art.

Overview

Adelaide City Council commits a minimum of 1.3% of its total Capital Renewal and Strategic Enhancement budget to invest in a public art funding pool.  These funds are managed through a five year Public Art Plan that provides Council with a robust, flexible and strategic framework for the City’s annual public art commissioning program.

The Rundle Project is a key outcome of the 2008-2013 Public Art Plan.  It assists artists and guides the future direction and design development, documentation and commissioning stages of integrated public art within the Rundle Street precinct. The Rundle Project is also known as Rundle Street Integrated Public Art Masterplan, or IPAM.

» 2008 – 2013 Public Art Plan
» Public Art and Memorials Policy
» Public Art and Memorials Operating Guidelines
» The Rundle Project

Public Art Round Table(PART)

The Public Art Round Table (PART) provides expert and appropriate advice that is critical to informing the public art operations and performance of Council. PART is a sounding board and ideas generator. The committee meets quarterly or as required to provide advice and feedback on the annual Public Art Plan, public art practices and policies of Council. It identifies opportunities for public art within Council’s Strategic Management Plan and gives advice regarding marketing and promoting the City through public art. 

The committee recommends individuals for selection panels to assess artwork proposals and inform the process that results in the commissioning of new public art works and the deaccessioning of existing artworks as required.  Members of the Public Art Round Table are ambassadors and advocates for quality public art in the City.

A committee was appointed by Council for the period of the Five Year Public Art Plan 2008-2013. Membership of the PART committee is drawn from a publically advertised call for registrations.

Public Art Grants

Adelaide City Council supports the translation of exciting concepts into temporary artworks for the public realm. Proposals for highly visible and engaging artworks are invited from emerging and established artists, and organisations. Grants are offered twice a year, in April and October.
Maximum: $8,000.

See full details in the Arts and Living Culture Grant program.

Contact

Janice Lally PhD
Public Art Officer
City Design & Character
7th Floor 25 Pirie Street
Adelaide, SA, 5000
T. (08) 8203 7548
M. 0437 680 147
F. (08) 8203 7575
E. J.Lally@adelaidecitycouncil.com