Calling all Aboriginal artists and creatives

We’re seeking Aboriginal artists to create public artworks that celebrate Country, community and culture.

This is a unique opportunity to create art within public spaces and contribute to Newcastle’s identity as an arts and cultural destination.

We’re inviting you to develop artworks at iconic cultural sites including the Newcastle Ocean Baths, Bathers Way - King Edward Park, Union Street – Wickham, and Market Street in the East End.

Share stories and inspire connection through murals, sculptures, pavement design, street furniture, walking trails and more!

Express your interest before 10 March 2026.

Register your expression of interest by completing the application form online or via email.

You will be asked to submit:

  • Your completed application form responding to the selection criteria and interest in project locations
  • Contact details
  • A short artist statement and/or links to your website/social media (up to 1 page)
  • An overview of your professional experience and/or link to your portfolio (up to 1 page).
  • Artists must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage.
  • Connection to/interest in Newcastle and the identified project locations. Preference will be given to local artists.
  • Demonstrated interest and/or experience in creating art, particularly in the public domain.
  • Willingness to work with local Aboriginal communities to develop artworks that meaningfully reflect local stories and cultural knowledge.

Newcastle is a creative city with vibrant public places for experiencing culture, connection and recreation.

We know the procurement of public art is best served through collaboration, equal opportunity and transparency.

We’re inviting Aboriginal artists at all stages of their career to create public art through an inclusive expressions of interest process. Mentorship and professional development opportunities may be provided for artists early in their careers.

Successful artists will collaborate with a core group of Traditional Custodians and Knowledge Holders to ensure artworks are meaningful, reflective and honour the heritage and stories of local Aboriginal communities.

Where will the artworks be located?

Scroll across to learn more about the project locations.
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  • Newcastle Ocean Baths

    The Newcastle Ocean Baths and coastline hold deep cultural, historical, and spiritual significance for the Awabakal people and remain a cherished part of Newcastle’s identity.

    Learn more 

  • Bathers Way - King Edward Park

    King Edward Park holds enormous significance to Newcastle with its sweeping ocean views, much-loved gardens, and importance to Newcastle’s Traditional Custodians.

    Learn more 

  • Union Street - Wickham

    The upgrade of Union Street will transform it into an inviting gateway to the heart of the precinct, celebrating Wickham’s distinctive character and identity.

    Learn more 

  • Market Street - East End

    The long-term vision for the East End Village is to reinstate Hunter Street as a traditional high street and an attractive destination for locals and visitors, with outdoor dining and boutique retail opportunities.

    Learn more 

Are you an Aboriginal artist?

Tell us about your interest and experience in developing public artworks.

Learn more about the process

  • EOI: Traditional Custodians and Knowledge Holders

    We invited Aboriginal persons who have an interest in, or hold cultural knowledge of local Newcastle sites to support the development of Aboriginal public artworks.

    Find out more 

  • Aboriginal Engagement

    Through the Representative Core Group, we'll engage with local Aboriginal communities to ensure the artworks are meaningful, reflective and honour the heritage and stories of local Aboriginal peoples.

  • Artist EOI (current stage)

    We're seeking expressions of interest from Aboriginal artists to develop public artworks. There are opportunities for artists at all stages of their career, including mentoring and professional development.

  • Concept design

    We'll invite shortlisted artists to prepare a concept design for the project specific public artworks. Each artist will receive a fee.

  • Artwork commissioning

    Successful artists will work with members of the Aboriginal Representative Core Group to further develop the artworks.

  • Detailed design and installation

    Artists will work with City of Newcastle project teams to progress the design, fabrication and installation.