Arts @ Council
Public Art serves to celebrate our heritage and cultural diversity by creating visual landmarks, which act as natural gathering places for local storytelling and information-sharing. Public art also enhances the visual experience for visitors and encourage emotional connections with our uniquely creative town.
Open Expressions of Interest (EOI)
See below for current Opportunities within the Alice Springs Municipality.
To be notified of upcoming opportunities, sign up to the Artist Register.
- 1. Closed — EOI — Functional Art: Seating Along the Todd River
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Applications are being assessed.
Alice Springs Town Council invites artists (individuals or groups) to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the development of a series of functional art pieces that will double as public seating to be placed along the Todd River.
This project aims to provide seating (and could include tables) in the form of creative art which will allow the user to enjoy the magnificence of the scenery as well as connect to country through interpretative story telling. 3 to 5 benches should be considered for the project. The artwork should explore the themes of living water and focus on local stories of our connection to the Todd River.
Public Art Masterplan
Public Art is a major drawcard for Alice Springs for tourists and our community. Recognised around the world for our unique character, our Public Art draws inspiration from our Town’s landscape, people and stories. Not only does Public Art provoke thought, but it also encourages sense of place within our community.
To make sure we continue to provide opportunities to our creative’s, the Council developed the Public Art Masterplan 2020 – 2030 which was created after extensive consultations with residents and the creative and cultural sector.
This Public Art Masterplan defines the vision, principles and a framework to guide decision-making on future public art.
It builds on existing public art practices and policies and will assist Council to support the development of a relevant, diverse and exciting collection of public art in Alice Springs!
Samson & Delilah and Sweet Country, by CTO & LINZ
Artist Register
Are you an Artist looking for upcoming opportunities with the Alice Spring Town Council?
To get on our mailing list and Artist Register, submit your interest!
We will use this database to send you through upcoming Expressions of Interests for public art works and keep you in mind for events and workshops opportunities!
Opportunities are available to solo musicians or bands, street performers, visual, digital or sculptural craft artists, videographers and photographers, as well as facilitators, MC’s, comedians and advocates!
For more information, get in touch with the Community & Cultural Development Team at 08 8950 0582.
Alice Springs Town Council Art Collection
Alice Springs Town Council’s art collection consists of over 350 artworks and represents several decades of award-winning artworks from the Caltex Art Award (later known as the NT Art Award) and the Alice Prize.
Pieces acquired by the Central Australian Art Society and the Alice Springs Art Foundation, between 1968 and today, have been generously donated to Council for the people of Alice Springs. The collection comprises a noteworthy 30% of the Araluen Art Collection, where it is commonly held, and features around 20 painted boards from the early Papunya period – the start of the Western Desert Art Movement, famous for its Aboriginal dot paintings.
Council’s Civic Centre is home to the extraordinary Battle for the Spinifex series by then local artist, Kaye Kessing – 11 paintings highlighting the feral animal problem in Central Australia. Kaye’s vibrant and entertaining artworks were also used as scene backdrops for an educational play which toured Australia in 1990.
Public Art Map
In September 2020 Council launched its interactive online public art map — www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au/artmap. Having the ability to view online, visit, learn and engage with more than 60 public artworks is a benefit to both locals and visitors to Alice Springs.
The map was jointly funded by Council and the Northern Territory Government through the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program.
Hard copies of the Alice Springs Public Art Map are freely available from Council reception or many visitor sites around town, or you can download the map below!
Untyeye/The Fork-Leaved Corkwood Tree/Hakea divaricarta and Local Birdlife by Pip McManus
Arts in the Community
Are you an Artist in Alice Springs? Check out some of these Arts Organisation that offer art groups, workshops and opportunities for artists.
Here are a few key contacts to begin your creative journey:
To find out more about Public Art in Local Government, check out the NAVA Love Your Local Toolkit!