The Public Art Unit brings together the building industry and professional artists to create vibrant and distinctive built environments that engage and inspire the community.
We strive to deliver excellence and set international benchmark standards in procuring and managing public art in the government, corporate and community sectors.
About us
Since 1999 we have taken the lead in managing hundreds of public art projects with a combined value of over $30 million throughout Queensland.
Artwork commissions have ranged from integrated architectural features, furniture and carpet design to iconic sculptures, digital media, and community engagement projects with installations in tertiary education facilities, government office buildings, cultural facilities, sporting stadia, court houses, hospitals, public plazas and parklands.
How we work
We manage the procurement of artwork either through voluntary commissioning or through the Queensland Government’s Public Art Fund,
art+place.
These artworks are procured through commissions, purchase, community workshops or artist’s residencies.
We have access to leading contemporary visual artists, from emerging artists to established artists locally, nationally and internationally.
Our services
The services we offer are listed below.
Public art procurement management
- Providing expert advice on the interpretation and operation of art+place and helping clients prepare and submit documents to receive public art funding
- Scoping and master planning for the procurement of public art commissions and programs
- Selecting and engaging public art consultants and monitoring consultant performance.
Public art project management
- Developing the Artwork Commission Plan
- Scoping artwork opportunities and curatorial rationale
- Coordinating project design teams
- Community and stakeholder engagement with public art projects
- Curatorial services (selection of artists)
- Managing the artwork concept design and development stages
- Risk assessing artists’ designs
- Managing the artwork commissioning, timeframe and budget
- Providing expert advice to clients, consultants, building contractors, project managers, artists, and arts industry professionals during the life of a project.
Project highlights
- Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law (PDF, 890KB)
- Kangaroo Point Park (PDF, 1.99MB)
- Metricon Stadium (PDF, 266KB)
- Palm Island Government Office Buildings (PDF, 6.1MB)
- Robina Hospital (PDF, 671KB)
- Northern Busway Interpretation Project (PDF, 812KB)
- Water Harp—Roma Street Parkland (PDF, 636KB)
- Nambour Hospital (PDF, 500KB)
- Roma Street Fire and Ambulance Station (PDF, 1.29MB)
- Townsville Solar City Commemorative Artwork (PDF, 269KB).
Publications
More information