Introduction and background
North Sydney Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified artists or artist teams for the design, fabrication and installation of a public artwork at Young Street Plaza, Neutral Bay.
The Young Street Plaza upgrade forms part of Council’s broader program to improve village centres by enhancing amenity, accessibility and overall use of public spaces. The works include new paving, seating, lighting, landscaping and drainage, creating a more functional and welcoming space for the local community, businesses and visitors.
The project was initiated in 2018 through a funding agreement with Transport for NSW. A trial plaza was delivered in 2020, followed by a review which led to the current design for a partial road reopening with a permanent public plaza. The final concept was endorsed in 2024, with construction commencing in October 2025 and completed in April 2026.
The plaza is a key public space within Neutral Bay and a well-used pedestrian area. The artwork is intended to complement the upgraded public domain, contribute to the identity of the space, and support a sense of place for the local community.
Artists are invited to respond to the site and deliver a durable, safe and suitable outcome for a high-use urban environment.
Public Art – Project Brief
Council has recently completed construction of the new Young Street Plaza and is inviting artists to submit applications for a public artwork within this space. Two features within the plaza have been identified as suitable for art activation: the concrete walls along Young street on the eastern side of the plaza and the pergola in the centre of the plaza.
Artists are encouraged to propose creative, site-specific interpretations that respond to the plaza’s environment and community context. North Sydney Council is not seeking standalone 3D sculptures; rather, the artwork should integrate with or enhance the existing features of the plaza, bringing an artistic layer to the public space in an engaging and thoughtful way.
Commissioning process
1. Stage One - Expressions of Interest
Artists will provide
- portfolio of previous works
- CV
- A short response to the brief with initial concepts for Young Street Plaza.
Selection Criteria – Stage One
The panel will assess the expressions of interest against the following criteria:
- Artist must reside in NSW
- Response to the brief, site and local community
- Demonstrated previous experience
2. Stage Two - Design Submission
Shortlisted artists will then be paid $3,000 to submit a detailed design submission. The detailed submission will elaborate on the initial EOI with drawings and plans, full budget, curatorial statement and delivery details. Shortlisted artists will be given the opportunity to meet with the selection panel and present their work.
3. Stage Three - Installation
Key Contacts
Vikki Woods, Service Unit Manager, Arts Library and Events 02 9936 8100.
Fill
Out
