Kensington recreation centre mural

⁠⁠⁠We’re inviting expressions of interest from artists to create a new large‑scale mural at the Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

The City of Melbourne is seeking an artist or artist team to create a large‑scale mural for the northern wall of the new Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre, located on Altona Street, Kensington. The successful artist or team will collaborate with City of Melbourne staff to develop the final artwork design.

We are seeking an artwork that meaningfully acknowledges a sense of place and connection, while promoting inclusivity for the local community and visitors.

The mural site comprises two distinct sections: a lower wall that directly abuts the street boundary and footpath, and an upper wall set back approximately five metres from the street.

Artwork proposals will need to carefully consider site and building characteristics that influence how the mural is experienced, including visibility, scale, seasonal changes, time of day, and varying weather conditions.

Commissioning process

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Eliglible artists/teams complete and submit an online application through SmartyGrants. At this stage only background information and a short statement are requested. No artwork designs are required.

Preliminary design

Three short-listed artists will be paid to develop and present a design proposal that reflects the project's community focused values and aspirations, informed by consultation with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (as required) and City of Melbourne.

Final design

The selected artist/team will refine the concept, incorporating feedback from the project team.

Project delivery

The selected artist/team will develop a plan for project delivery in consultation with City of Melbourne. This aspect of the commission may be outsourced to a third party or alternatively undertaken directly by the artist/artist team if they have the required skills to deliver a high-quality finish.

Key dates

• EOI submissions due: Monday 18 May 2026 at 5pm
• Shortlisted artists notified: Friday 5 June 2026
• Preliminary design submission: Friday 17 July 2026 at 5pm
• Successful artist notified: Friday 7 August 2026
• Final design completion: Friday 4 September 2026
• Artwork delivery phase: September 2026 – December 2026 (TBC with artist)

Note: Dates may be subject to change. 

Apply

Applications open Thursday 30 April.

Applicants are encouraged to read the creative brief carefully for full details on the expression of interest process and site considerations.

Preview the application form on SmartyGrants