Bayside City Council invites Expressions of Interest from experienced street artists and artist teams to deliver a significant public art project beneath the Gardenvale Station bridge, located on Martin Street, Brighton. This commission presents an opportunity to create 2 large-scale murals that will contribute to the identity and visual character of the Martin Street precinct, while celebrating its rich and evolving multicultural story.
This project is conceived as a cultural anchor for the precinct. The selected artist or team will be tasked with developing a cohesive artistic response across 2 facing brick wall surfaces beneath the bridge. One mural will reflect the historical multicultural roots of the area, while the second will capture the contemporary diversity and vibrancy of the Martin Street community. Together, the works are intended to form a visual dialogue that connects past and present, fostering a strong sense of place and community pride.
A central element of this commission is collaboration. The successful artist or team will participate in a co-design process with local business owners, supported by an independent facilitator. This engagement will ensure that the final artwork reflects authentic community perspectives and tells a shared story grounded in lived experience. Consultation will also include input from relevant historical groups to ensure the respectful and inclusive representation of cultural narratives.
The procurement process will involve the shortlisting of 3 artists or artist teams, each of whom will receive an honorarium of $1,500 + GST to develop indicative concept designs. These submissions will demonstrate artistic approach, thematic interpretation, and capacity to deliver a project of this scale and significance. Following this stage, one artist or team will be awarded the full commission, valued at $115,500 + GST, to refine the design through community engagement and complete the installation of both murals.
The completed artworks must be of a high artistic standard, accessible to a broad audience, and responsive to the multicultural context of the precinct. Concepts should demonstrate thoughtful storytelling, strong visual impact, and sensitivity in the representation of cultural histories. All historical references must be carefully considered to ensure they are inclusive and appropriate for diverse audiences.
This commission represents a rare opportunity to contribute to a prominent and highly visible public space, creating artwork that will be experienced daily by residents, visitors, and commuters. The successful project will leave a lasting legacy, enhancing the public realm and reinforcing Martin Street as a vibrant, inclusive and culturally rich destination.
Bayside City Council encourages applications from artists and teams with a demonstrated capacity for delivering high-quality public art and engaging meaningfully with community.
Full details and application process can be found in the Artist’s Brief.
Image credit: Mural by Jason Parker
