Public Art Opportunity: Boat Harbour Beach 2026

⁠⁠⁠Overview

Waratah-Wynyard Council (WWC) is seeking expressions of interest from Tasmanian artists to design, fabricate and install a permanent public artwork celebrating the unique coastal identity of Boat Harbour Beach.

About

Boat Harbour Beach is one of Tasmania's most iconic coastal destinations, valued by residents and visitors alike for its natural beauty, community connection and spectacular landscape. As the redevelopment of the Surf Life Saving Club nears completion, the Public Art Advisory Group (PAAG) has identified an opportunity to create a permanent artwork that celebrates the unique character of Boat Harbour Beach and strengthens its sense of place.

Purpose

Artists are encouraged to respond creatively to the character of Boat Harbour Beach, drawing inspiration from themes such as the ocean, coastline, water, movement, marine life and the natural environment. The artwork should complement its surroundings, create a memorable visitor experience and become an enduring feature of the landscape. The Public Art Advisory Group encourages artists to think boldly and create an artwork that becomes a lasting symbol of Boat Harbour Beach, one that reflects the character of the place, creates a sense of connection and is remembered long after people leave.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Design, fabrication and installation of a permanent public artwork at Boat Harbour Beach
• Development of an illustrated concept responding to the character of Boat Harbour Beach

Design Considerations

The design should:

• Complement and be sensitive to the surrounding coastal environment
• Create a memorable sense of place and visual interest
• Be durable and suitable for a harsh marine environment
• Be realistic and achievable within the available budget
• Consider installation, public safety and ongoing maintenance requirements

The artwork should be designed with the understanding that the final installation location has not yet been determined. The preferred artwork will be selected first, with the final site confirmed following consideration of planning, Building Surveyor and Crown Land requirements.

Funding

The commission budget is up to $8,000 (including GST where applicable) and is intended to cover all costs associated with the artwork, including concept development, artist fees, design, fabrication, materials, transport and delivery of the artwork (if applicable).

Waratah-Wynyard Council will separately fund installation and associated project costs, including footings, permits and approvals, to a maximum value of $2,000 (as applicable).

Artists should ensure their proposal is realistic, achievable and appropriate for the available budget.

Eligibility

• Artists who live in Tasmania are eligible to apply
• Contemporary artists and artist teams working in a range of disciplines are encouraged to apply, as solo or collaborative applications

Contractor Requirements

• If the activity involves Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander content, the application must provide evidence of how the artist is working with the Aboriginal Community
• If selected, the successful artist will be required to show evidence of public liability insurance
• The successful artist will be required to submit a Risk Assessment for all activity conducted as part of the commission
• For any work conducted at height, artists will be required to submit a Safe Work Method Statement

Selection Criteria

• Vision: Artistic merit, creativity and originality. The proposal should celebrate the unique coastal identity of Boat Harbour Beach and demonstrate a strong response to the Artist's Brief
• Fit & Feel: The proposal should complement the surrounding coastal environment, create a memorable sense of place and demonstrate appropriate scale, visual presence and suitability for a public setting
• Ability to Deliver: The proposal should demonstrate the artist's ability to successfully deliver the commission within the available budget and timeframe, with evidence of previous public art commissions or works of a similar nature

Information Requested

Online applications must include:

• Applicant's details
• A description of the artist's concept proposal (maximum 500 words)
• A maximum 250-word description of the artist's professional skills and experience
• Support material, such as concept sketches, renders, reference images, proposed materials and dimensions, to assist the Selection Panel in assessing the submission
• A biography for all artists involved

Support material must be uploaded as part of the application.

Instructions to Respondents

The Selection Committee will be comprised of members from the Waratah Wynyard Council Public Art Advisory Group (PAAG).

The Artist's Brief will be advertised in July, August and September 2026. Applications close on 15 September 2026. The successful artist will be notified and expected to complete the work prior to 1 March 2027.

Artists are encouraged to discuss their applications with the Manager Community Activation before submission. Inquiries and submissions must include "Boat Harbour Beach Public Art Commission" in the subject line.

Enquiries

• Contact: Bronwyn Folden, Manager Community Activation, Waratah Wynyard Council
• Phone: 6443 8333
• Email: bfolden@warwyn.tas.gov.au

Location

• Site: Boat Harbour Beach
• Note: The final installation location has not yet been determined and will be selected following assessment of the preferred artwork and any planning, Building Surveyor and Crown Land requirements
• Map: View on Google Maps