Expressions of interest: Traditional Custodians and Knowledge Holders

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

Selected representatives will form part of a core advisory group help to guide the development of Aboriginal public artworks throughout all stages of the project lifecycle.

You will collaborate to develop overall themes for the artworks, and work with artists to bring the vision to life.

Your participation will help us ensure the artworks are meaningful, reflective, and honour the heritage and stories of local Aboriginal communities.

Key details

Expressions of interest to participate will be assessed by a panel of City of Newcastle staff, including our Aboriginal Engagement Partner.
  • Local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person (confirmation of this may be requested where appropriate).
  • Person or organisation with a demonstrated interest in, or knowledge of the cultural significance of the identified project sites.
  • Understanding of, and connections with Aboriginal communities within Newcastle region.
  • Commitment to support the interests of local Aboriginal communities throughout the development of public artwork projects.
  • Willingness to work with stakeholders, organisations and individuals from the local Aboriginal communities.
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to attend meetings and participate in the representative core group.

Selected members will be required to attend approximately seven (7) monthly meetings throughout the first half of 2026.

Primary selected members of the core group will be expected to attend all meetings. One additional member may accompany the primary member at each meeting. The additional member attending may change from meeting to meeting.

Primary and secondary members will be paid $200 per hour for each meeting attended.

Group members will work together to:

  • Collaborate to develop overall themes and stories for artists to inspire public artwork projects.
  • Develop selection criteria to assess Expressions of Interest from artists.
  • Identify a shortlist of suitable artists for each commission.
  • Review the relevance and appropriateness of the artwork to the public space in which it will be installed.

Activities held during these meetings may include group conversations, individual conversations and site tours/walks on Country.

  • Integrity: All members will act with integrity and demonstrated mutual respect and trust.
  • Transparency: All members will operate in a fair and transparent manner.
  • Inclusiveness: All members will be given the opportunity to speak and be heard.
  • Communication: All members will communicate respectively using appropriate language.
  • Safety: All members will value and ensure the cultural and personal security of all other members.
  • Accountability: All members are accountable for their actions.

Public artwork locations

Scroll across to see all 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 

  • 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 

  • 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 

  • 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 

Thanks for registering your interest

Expressions of interest were open from Wednesday 5 November to Sunday 23 November 2025.

Submissions were able to be made by:

  • Completing the online form below
  • Sending the completed form by email to: aboriginalpublicart@ncc.nsw.gov.au
  • Posting the completed form to: City of Newcastle, PO BOX 489 Newcastle 2300, with 'Aboriginal Art Representative Core Group EOI'.

Submissions are currently being reviewed and all applicants will be notified of the outcome.

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