Bass Coast Shire Council is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from female-identifying artists or women-led collectives for a major Public Art Commission at The Union Theatre, Wonthaggi. The Union Theatre is the premier civic cultural venue in Bass Coast, with a full program of live performance theatre, music and bands, cinema and community events.

The commission is funded by the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program. Part of the Victorian Government’s gender equality strategy, this Program aims to address the underrepresentation of women and their achievements through enduring public artworks.

This Public Art Commission will honour and celebrate the historic contribution of the Wonthaggi Miners Women’s Auxiliary – a trailblazing collective including Agnes Chambers and Agnes Doig, founded in 1934 to support the Wonthaggi Miners’ Union and community during a historic five-month strike. The ongoing legacy of this history highlights the significance of women’s roles in building community resilience, collective action, and social justice.

Council is seeking an integrated artwork that will enhance the cultural identity and street presence of The Union Theatre, drawing attention to the historic and ongoing significance of the building as integral to the collective cultural life of Wonthaggi.

Important Information:

This expression of Interest is a short application form to show that you are interested in being considered for this Commission. All that is needed at this stage is a statement of interest, your CV or portfolio, and demonstration of your experience with similar projects. There is no need to submit any concept proposals at this stage.

Please note that this opportunity is open only to artists who identify as women or woman-led creative collectives, as outlined in the project criteria.

If you would like an alternative way to express your interest, please contact visualart@basscoast.vic.gov.au

Please read the Victorian Women’s Public Art Commission: Information Pack to find out more about the project.

You will be notified of the outcome of your EOI by email and may be contacted by phone to discuss any additional information about your application.

If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend a site visit to discuss the project further with our Public Art team.

Key Contact:

Rosemary Forde

Visual Arts and Cultural Development Officer

Email: visualart@basscoast.vic.gov.au

Phone: 0468 577 615