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Greater Dandenong City Council is currently seeking expressions of interest from artists to produce a Public Artwork for the Drum Theatre Façade.
Forming part of the Dandenong’s expanding arts precinct together with the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, the Drum caters to a diverse range of audiences, hosting local and international artists, communities, and premier productions.
Applications close Monday 3 June, 11.59pm.
Site location
The Drum Theatre is a 518-seat, state-of-the-art, purpose-built performing arts theatre within the heritage façade of the former Dandenong Town Hall, situated in the heart of central Dandenong.
The Drum Theatre engages with artists and the community to host more than 200 performances and events for over 40,000 patrons each year via a range of professional touring productions, local theatrical performances and community presentations. The theatre develops and promotes the accessibility of the performing arts and continues to consolidate itself as the iconic, cultural heart for Dandenong and a vibrant hub for arts and cultural activity.
The Drum Theatre opened in 2006, retaining the Lonsdale Street façade of the Dandenong Town Hall (originally opened in 1890), an iconic landmark now sporting a red ‘drum’ that is the core of the theatre building.
As an anchor for city vibrancy and an attractor of audiences that include Dandenong’s diverse communities, the Drum Theatre is well situated to build engagement with the performing arts for the City of Greater Dandenong’s citizens and the one million residents in Melbourne’s south-east growth corridor.
Key objectives
This project is centred around changing perceptions and revitalising urban recognition of the Drum Theatre as an inviting, welcoming and culturally safe space for local and south-east community to become more engaged with.
The key objective of this commission is to produce a site-specific, temporary (five years) artwork which visually tell a story of art experiences, vibrant programming, charm and intimacy behind the façade. It is expected the artwork will respond to the three-dimensional nature of the building, using the building structure, shape and architectural features. This play between external look and internal identity needs to be innovative, creating a glimpse into stories of place, engaging the viewer and evoking a sense of belonging, connection and pride.
It is also expected that the artwork will consider any constraints as outlined in the expression of interest guidelines, such as materials and heritage overlay restrictions.
How to apply
Expressions of Interest are to be submitted using the online form below. Please read the below Key Stages and Expression of Interest Guidelines before submitting your application.
Expression of Interest Guidelines Drum Theatre Facade Art Commission 2024 – 1.16MB
The selection process for the art commission will occur across three stages. For full details, please see the Expression of Interest Guidelines document.
The successful design will be selected by a panel formed by City of Greater Dandenong representatives.
Applications close Monday 3 June 11.59pm.
https://drum.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/drum-facade-expression-interest
For more information, please visit the website or contact the Public Art Projects Lead, via phone 8571 5409 or email arts@cgd.vic.gov.au.
