The Dunedin City Council is looking to commission a new piece of public art to be located in the Octagon and is seeking submissions from artists and designers.

This is the first step in a public art programme that hopes to establish over 10-15 years a collection of public artworks that reflect five themes that were drawn from public consultation in 2017 - Whakapapa, Light and Sound, Pushing Boundaries, Encounters, and Embedded in Nature.

In the development of their concept, artists will be asked to draw on at least one of these creative themes and to consider the site’s cultural and historical narratives. They are welcome to consider the use of non-traditional materials, such as light or projections, and are asked to think about the work’s suitability for easy relocation if the Octagon is upgraded in the future.

Artists will have until 5pm, 1 December to submit their applications. On 20 December a shortlist of up to three artists will be selected by a panel comprising representatives from mana whenua, the arts community and DCC staff. The shortlisted artists will be offered an opportunity to develop a more detailed creative vision.

The public will have an opportunity to give feedback from the shortlisted concepts before a final selection is made by the panel. The successful artist will be paid a fee of $65,000 (+ GST).

Dunedin Public Libraries Relationship Advisor Council Initiatives Lisa Wilkie says the last public artwork was Julia Morison’s Oubouros, commissioned in 2013 for 150^th anniversary of the Botanic Garden.

“Done well, public art can help redefine places and spaces within a city, how they are experienced and how people interact with them. It helps support the development of community.”

More information, including how to make a submission, can be found at the link below.