Department of Education - Riva Primary School - Percent for Art - Artist EOI

⁠⁠⁠Overview

The Department of Housing and Works (WA) is inviting Expressions of Interest from artists for a Percent for Art commission at Riva Primary School, on behalf of the Department of Education.

About

Riva Primary School is located in the suburb of Piara Waters in the City of Armadale. The suburb was developed around ancient lakes now named the Piara Nature Reserve. The suburb's name derives from the Noongar word for the candlestick banksia, Biyara, as it is part of Whadjuk Country within the Swan Coastal Plain.

The school became operational in 2019 and the name Riva, meaning 'shore' in Italian, was selected to represent the school's connection to the landscape and the multi-cultural community.

The school supports a thriving multi-cultural community made up of children from over 30 countries. The entry statement to the school acknowledges each of the cultures, which is further celebrated by community programs within the school including publications and community events. The Arts Program is also a focus and is a strategy for the sharing of cultural stories and food in the community.

The Armadale region has formed part of the traditional homelands of the Whadjuk Noongar people for over 45,000 years. The Noongar people used the area's seasonal wetlands and creeks and surrounding jarrah forests for hunting, gathering, and ceremonial purposes. Archaeological evidence and oral histories indicate sustained human presence. European exploration of the Armadale-Kelmscott area began in 1829, shortly after the establishment of the Swan River Colony, when Ensign Robert Dale traversed the region on behalf of the colonial government, noting fertile lands suitable for agriculture. Initial settlement followed in 1830, with pioneers establishing farms and homesteads.

ZMH Architects are the appointed architects for this project.

Purpose

This Expression of Interest is a Percent for Art project associated with the development of a new two-storey classroom block, catering for an expanding school population of 900 in 2026.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Design, fabrication and installation of a free-standing artwork, or a series of free-standing artworks, for the new teaching block

The selected site is a free-standing sculptural site in the grassed area to the north of the new teaching block. The artwork will be nestled in the courtyard space between the existing Assembly Building and the new teaching block. Trees and grass will be planted in the area, and the artwork will inform the final planting design.

This site forms part of the 'civic heart' of the school as it is adjacent to formal terracing for the assembly building. Close by there is a large entry statement of flags for each of the school factions, framing a large playground that was commissioned as part of the Percent for Art Scheme by Sharyn Egan and Jahne Rees in 2022.

This commission will activate the new space and should be durable for a primary school. It may provide an opportunity for a sanctuary space or seating and must be durable for an outdoor location.

Themes

The themes of this Percent for Art project are open, and should be based on a response to the school's sense of identity, the specific site and the artist's own studio practice. The design team encourages artists to create an artwork that is sophisticated with a strong conceptual basis to allow repeated engagement over many years.

Design Considerations

The school has a series of established playgrounds and native gardens that run through the spine of the campus, creating a sense of connectivity and energy. The new building will sit on the south-eastern edge of the campus, adjacent to a large oval that is shared public open space.

The new teaching block will feature materials and construction methods that are robust, low maintenance and cost-effective, whilst tying into the existing campus aesthetics and context. The two-storey teaching block uses a cream-face brick with white colourbond above the dado line to create a sense of lightness, linking to the use of limestone throughout the school campus.

The landscape plan features hardy native plants that will provide shade and a waterwise approach.

Eligibility

• Builder pre-qualification: Not applicable

Enquiries

• Contact: Eddie Tay, Senior Project Officer
• Mobile: 0414796694
• Email: Eddie.Tay@dohw.wa.gov.au

Location

• Facility: Riva Primary School, Piara Waters, City of Armadale
• Map: View on Google Maps