1. About the project
Surf Coast Shire is seeking expressions of interest from First Nations artist/s to license existing artwork as digital assets for the upcoming ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), launching in 2026. The selected artwork will represent the theme Innovate and support the promotion of the RAP across various Shire platforms.
Submissions are welcome from individual artists or collectives, with works that reflect the RAP’s cultural values and intent.
Submissions must be received by 4.00pm, Monday 23 June 2025 via email artsteam@surfcoast.vic.gov.au.
2. Theme
The artwork should connect with the theme ‘Innovate’, the title of Surf Coast Shire’s upcoming Reconciliation Action Plan.
An ‘Innovate’ RAP focuses on implementing meaningful change, strengthening commitment, deepening understanding, and identifying practical ways to advance reconciliation within the organisation’s sphere of influence.
For more information on an Innovate RAP, visit www.reconciliation.org.au
3. Objectives
Surf Coast Shire Council is committed to working with First Nations artists and communities to reflect shared values and support reconciliation through art. The inclusion of First Nations artwork in the Surf Coast Shire Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) aims to:
- Prioritise cultural integrity by commissioning artists who authentically represent their cultural heritage.
- Celebrate the rich heritage of First Nations peoples through meaningful public art that reflects Country, identity, and connection.
- Respect Traditional Custodians by ensuring their stories and voices are represented and honoured.
- Promote understanding and engagement with First Nations culture through creative expression.
Enhance the accessibility and visual appeal of the RAP to engage a broad audience.
4. Use of Artwork
The artwork must be the original work of the artist and not used in any other organisation’s RAP or similar documentation.
It can be a painting, drawing, or digital artwork, either new or existing, as long as it aligns with the Innovate theme.
The selected artist must supply a high-resolution digital file of the artwork readily available upon selection.
The artwork will be treated as a digital asset, featured in full in the RAP accompanied by the artwork interpretation and artist bio. It will also be used in part throughout the document and related promotional materials, including (but not limited to) posters, flyers, the Surf Coast Shire website and social media.
5. Project scope
The artist will:
- Provide artwork in high-resolution digital format
- Be responsible for project development
- Submit a narrative interpretation of the artwork
- Provide an artist biography to accompany the artwork
- Demonstrate strong verbal communication skills when engaging with stakeholders of the project.
6. Project budget
Council has allocated a $5,000 (excl. GST) budget for an artist to provide artwork for the ‘Innovate’ RAP design and related marketing materials.
This fee includes:
- Artwork development and digital delivery
- Labour costs
- Travel and transport expenses
- Artwork interpretation and artist biography
- Copyright and licensing for Council use
- Attendance at nominated meetings
- Attendance at applicable launches for the RAP
- Communication costs (phone, email)
- Insurance (if applicable)
- Any other related expenses.
7. Project timeline
Task / Milestone-Due Date
- Submissions open – Monday 2 June 2025
- Submissions close – Monday 23 June 2025
- Applicants notified of outcome Early July 2025
- Artwork license agreement signed with selected artist/s – Early July 2025
- Artwork provided to the Council – Early July 2025
- Payment to Artist – July 2025
- Launch of RAP – Late 2025/2026 (TBA)
8. Submission / return brief
Your return brief must include, at a minimum:
- Image of the existing artwork
- Description of artwork interpretation
- CV and or Artist Biography
- Connection to Country within Surf Coast Shire region, and
- Notification of when the artwork can be provided for use.
9. Assessment criteria
Surf Coast Shire will assess submissions based on the following criteria:
- Connection of the artwork to the Innovate theme
- Ability of the artwork to enhance and be used across the RAP documentation
- Readiness of the artwork for immediate use in RAP design development.
10. Payment
The artist shall submit an invoice to Council upon delivery of the artwork in digital format. Invoices must comply with the following:
- Unless otherwise agreed, the artist may only invoice Council after the artwork is accepted.
- All invoices must include a valid purchase order number. Invoices without this reference may be returned unpaid.
- Payments will be made within 30 days of Council receiving a compliant invoice and made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) to the bank account nominated by the artist. Bank details must be provided on a form supplied by Council upon acceptance of the proposal.
11. Copyright
Copyright and intellectual property rights remain with the artist. Surf Coast Shire reserves the right to use the artwork within the Innovate RAP and affiliated marketing materials solely for the duration of the RAP plan (two years).
Any use of the artwork beyond this agreement requires written permission from the artist.
12. Submission application
A quote and return brief are to be submitted to Surf Coast Shire no later than 4pm, 23 June 2025.
Please lodge your submission by email artsteam@surfcoast.vic.gov.au.
For more information and to discuss ideas, please contact Surf Coast Shire’s:
- First Nations Engagement Officer, Gerard Black, via phone 0437 240 462 or email GBlack@surfcoast.vic.gov.au, or
- Arts Development Officer Bridget Rasmussen, via phone (call or text) 0498 497 966 or email Brasmussen@surfcoast.vic.gov.au.
Image credit: Gerard Black, Surf Coast Shire Councill RAP ‘Reflect’ artwork, 2023
