The City of Canada Bay is seeking to commission an artwork to enhance the recently refurbished Murphy Reserve in Mortlake with an installation that creates local identity for this space.

The Vision
The vision is for the commissioned artist to develop an installation which utilises the ball fence in the reserve as the canvas for the work, taking the form of a weave, applied image, mosaic or other creative solution to achieve art that resonates with the local community and visitors.

Background
The Mortlake Place Plan which was adopted by Council in 2019 provides a comprehensive strategy for Mortlake and is available on Council’s website.

The Plan identifies and analyses the things that make Mortlake a great place to live, both now and in the future.
Community members have spoken about the Peninsula as a:

1. Place which values the natural environment along the foreshore and within local open space
2. Riverfront community that respects its unique setting.
3. Village lifestyle which is welcoming to everyone
4. Modern vibrant community enriched with the culture of the first nations people and its industrial heritage.

The plan is a synthesis of local knowledge from a range of individuals, groups and key stakeholders including community members, businesses, local community organisations, State Government and the City of Canada Bay.

Murphy Reserve on the corner of Edwin and Hilly Street, Mortlake has recently been upgraded and is a popular local meeting space. The mini basketball provides an active space in a suburb which few active open spaces.
The ball screen shown on the cover of the brief is a unique opportunity to install an artwork with movement and grace that’s enhances the reserve to create a local land mark and talking point.
Public art will play an important part in creating a new sense of place in this urban environment.

Themes
Artists can seek key directions of the city in the following City of Canada Bay‘s strategic documents which can be accessed from Council’s website at www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au; City of Canada Bay Public Art Plan and FuturesPlan20.
The artist is encouraged to explore the themes of the river, connection, and nature.

Site and Opportunities
This is an opportunity to transform a piece of built infrastructure into a more vibrant and welcoming sight using colour and movement in a public art installation. The expectation is for the artist to provide artwork which utilises the ball screen within the reserve. The artwork cannot use the wall adjacent to the ball screen.

The artwork should be clearly visible from the adjacent street frontages.
Cultural and community engagement with the nearby community may be considered as would a public style workshop as warranted.
The City of Canada Bay are keen supporters of sustainability and there is the opportunity to re-use materials or artists may wish to engage with a local school to assist in the development of the artwork elements with a workshop. These are many possible approaches and the City of Canada Bay is open to other approaches and suggestions for this space. 

All submissions and enquiries should be directed to:

Stephanie Kelly

Manager, Place Management

P: 9911 6521

E: stephanie.Kelly@canadabay.nsw.gov.au