Northern Gateway Artist EOI | Launceston Northern Gateway

Artists, unleash your creativity!

The City of Launceston called for Expression of Interest (EOI) from artists in May/June 2025 - especially those with a connection to Launceston - to develop a significant permanent public artwork for the Launceston Northern Gateway.

This project is funded through the Tasmanian Government's Northern Gateway Improvements program, the Northern Gateway project is set to deliver a bold, breathtaking artwork that captures the heart and soul of Launceston.

The EOI process has closed - see project update below.

Project update

Engagement update (round 1)

Through the initial round of engagement in May/June 2025 community were asked to describe or upload pictures in response to 'What does Launceston mean to you?'
Check out the engagement summary on what we heard through this round of engagement and how these themes helped shape the artist brief.

View the engagement summary here!
Artist expression of interest update

Through the expression of interest process, we received 40 applications from artists across the country, with an expert panel comprising Council Officers, a Cultural Advisory Committee member and an independent curator shortlisting three artists to develop paid concept designs.

Following this process, two final concepts have been selected for the public vote.

Click here to find out more!
Time to vote!

Community and visitors are invited to vote on their preferred artwork from the two shortlisted designs - Kanamaluka Kanalaritja and Sky Vessels.

Vote on your favourite and also go into the draw to win one of two $100 grocery gift cards!

Voting is open from 15 September until 12 October 2025 at 12pm.

Vote here!

EOI Details

Following this Stage 1 (EOI phase), three artists will be selected to progress to Stage 2 (Concept Design) in a paid competition process.

Two artists' concepts will be selected for a public vote, after which one artist will be commissioned for this opportunity.

Northern Gateway Project Home Page

Want more information on the project, including timeline, FAQ's, and engagement?

Click here!

ALL THE DETAILS:

Check out the information below for all of the details!

The artwork opportunity is located at a sweep of the Southern Outlet of the Midland Highway to Launceston. This location will offer visitors a first glimpse of the city and serve as a distinct and memorable gateway. The curatorial vision, In clouds, reflects upon the top of the Southern

Outlet where it feels like you're soaring in the sky or heavens. Entering into Launceston is a pathway into another world. The vista is a moment where the sky meets the land, reminding us the two are linked. The Northern Gateway commission will respond to the ever-changing yet powerful wisdom of the sky.

The artwork's form is to embrace simplicity in design and achieve a scale that maintains a strong visual presence from multiple angles and distances, particularly from the predominant perspective of passing vehicles.

The material selection must be suitable for the City of Launceston's expectation of a minimum 20-year life expectancy, and be resilient to environmental factors such as UV exposure, traffic pollution and general weathering as associated with an outdoor environment.

The EOI will open on 19 May 2025 via the Tomorrow Together Launceston website. EOI submissions should be received no later than 5pm AEST on 6 June 2025. Please note late submissions will not be accepted.

EOI submissions will be assessed by an Artist Selection Panel, comprised of experienced specialists from the City of Launceston and the arts. Three successful EOI applicants will be notified as soon as possible from the week commencing 7 July 2025 onwards.

The concept design period will be during July 2025 (a detailed program will be shared with the successful artists as part of a technical artist brief package). The concept phase, construction phase and installation of the artwork will run from July 2025 to August 2026.

Artists must be willing to have their concept presented for a public vote. The artist selection panel will recommend two concepts to the City of Launceston to go to public vote. The artwork concept that receives the most votes will be awarded the commission, and progress to a detailed design and construction phase.

The artist selection panel will use the following criteria when reviewing submissions:

Demonstrated connection to Launceston
Demonstrated exhibition practice
Demonstrated public art experience
Synergy between the artist's conceptual practice and the site, opportunity and the curatorial vision

The City of Launceston is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of their work. They support a thriving arts and cultural sector where creativity is nurtured by the diverse experiences of people and communities. Submissions are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds, identities and abilities.

A concept design fee of $5,000 will be paid to each of the three shortlisted artists. The shortlisted artists will receive a detailed briefing from UAP on the project site, curatorial theme, artwork production budget and artwork opportunity.

UAP will support the shortlisted artists in the development of their designs through visualisation, material exploration and budget feasibility of artwork concepts. The artist awarded the commission will be paid a fee of $50,000.

The City of Launceston is seeking responses of interest from artists who may or may not currently reside in Tasmania. Demonstration of a connection to Launceston will be highly regarded by the Artist Selection Panel.

Artists who wish to submit an EOI are invited to apply via the online submission on this page, or by written application which can be requested from City of Launceston Town Hall or by emailing publicart@launceston.tas.gov.au.

Submissions close 5pm AEST on 6 June 2025. Artists are required to submit and meet the following requirements:

Curriculum Vitae (CV) - Maximum One (1) page
Biography - Maximum 200 words
Summary of artist practice and demonstration of connection to Launceston - Maximum 150 words
Images of previous work - Maximum of five (5) images
Confirmation of availability for the indicated dates
Ability to collaborate with UAP through the Stage 2 Concept Design, where UAP will support the artist through the development of their concept, material and form investigations, budget feasibility and indicative visualisations.
Artists must be willing to have their concept presented for a public vote via City of Launceston's chosen platform
Artists must be 18 years or older
City of Launceston employees cannot apply or be engaged as subcontractors to the artists.

To ensure that a range of artists can apply for the design of the artwork, the City of Launceston has engaged Urban Art Projects (UAP) to manage the project, including the construction and installation of the artwork.

Alongside the EOI process, the City of Launceston is seeking input to help shape the Northern Gateway Public Artwork!

This feedback will guide the artist brief, ensuring the final artwork reflects Launceston's Character, stories and landscape.

Check out the 'Welcome to Launnie -Northern Gateway' home page to have your say on the project!

Document Library

Contact Information
Phone	03 6323 3000
Email	contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au
Website	www.launceston.tas.gov.au

03 6323 3000

contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au

Northern Gateway - Artists Expression of Interest

Artists, unleash your creativity!

Project update

Engagement update (round 1)

Artist expression of interest update

Time to vote!

EOI Details

Northern Gateway Project Home Page

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