Avoca Entrance Sculpture Project - EOI

⁠⁠⁠Pyrenees Shire Council invites detailed proposals from artists for a public art installation to be located in the median strip at the intersection of the Pyrenees Highway and Sunraysia Highway in Avoca.

The artwork will serve as a landmark that highlights arrival into the Avoca township and central precinct, while reinforcing the town’s identity as the heart of the Pyrenees Wine Region.

This project is funded by the Victorian State Government - Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions through the Tiny Towns Fund.

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to create a distinctive public artwork that marks the arrival to the Avoca central precinct and reinforces Avoca’s identity as the heart of the Pyrenees Wine Region. Positioned at the key intersection of the Pyrenees Highway and Sunraysia Highway, the artwork must:

• Enhance the visual appeal of the township entrance.

• Contribute to strengthening Avoca’s reputation as a creative destination that celebrates both art and wine. 

• Signal arrival into Avoca’s central district.

• Create a memorable and inviting gateway at the Pyrenees Highway and Sunraysia Highway intersection that encourages visitors to stop, explore and spend time in Avoca.

• Foster a sense of community pride and identity by creating a landmark that residents and visitors alike can recognise as uniquely Avoca.

• Replace the former wine barrel display (which served the town for approx. 20 years) with a contemporary, long-lasting feature.

Eligibility

EOIs are open to:

• Individual artists or artist collectives

• Community groups, schools, and not-for-profit organisations (must partner with a practising artist)

• Partnerships between artists and organisations

Project Specifications

Artwork Budget

Following this Expression of Interest (EOI) process, a panel will shortlist up to two (2) artists or artist teams to progress to the concept development stage. Shortlisted artists will then be allocated a $750 budget to submit a written detailed plan, project budget, timeline and design and 3D model of their proposed artwork. Designs will then be submitted to a community vote prior to successful artist being awarded.

The total available budget for the final commissioned artwork is $33,500 (inclusive of GST if applicable). Council will not be held responsible for any expenditure incurred over this amount.

The final artwork budget is to include all costs associated with:

• Artist fees

• Design development

• Engineering certification (if required) 

• Fabrication 

• Transportation 

• Installation 

• Site preparation 

Artwork Requirements

 The proposed artwork must:

• Be sympathetic to the character of the surrounding landscape and environment 

• Be durable and suitable for long-term outdoor public display 

• Require minimal ongoing maintenance 

• Consider public safety and accessibility requirements 

• Be able to withstand local weather conditions

Safety and Site Considerations

Artwork proposals must not:

• Obstruct driver sightlines

• Block or interfere with traffic signage

• Pose a physical hazard to vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians

• Include intensely flashing lights or highly reflective materials that may distract drivers

• Create climbing hazards or unsafe interactive elements unless specifically designed and approved for public interaction

Submission Instructions

Applications are to be submitted via email.

Please include in your application

• Project concept, including relevance to local area

• Materials to be used in project

• Artist/s names and credentials (if applicable)

• Budget Summary

• Project delivery plan and proposed timeline

• Any foreseeable maintenance or lifecycle requirements 

Send applications to communitydevelopment@pyrenees.vic.gov.au.

If you need any assistance with your application, please contact Diana Dixon on 0439 090 710.