Eye-catching designs from local creatives could soon adorn building and construction sites around the CBD, under a City of Melbourne proposal to further enhance the city’s visual and cultural appeal.
At Tuesday’s Future Melbourne Committee meeting, councillors will consider a 12-month trial to encourage property developers to incorporate artwork on their construction hoardings.
Creative hoardings are a low-cost option to improve public spaces during construction, celebrate local artists, attract visitors to the city and deter graffiti.
Council will offer a range of support for developers who opt-in to the trial, including:
- Free Council-commissioned artwork which can be printed and installed on hoardings
- Access to a panel of interested and suitable artists for new commissions
- Advice on commissioning artwork independently, including guidelines, sample contracts, advice on fees and a review process.
If endorsed, the trial will focus on commercial construction projects longer than 12 weeks and provide insights to determine if the program could be rolled out more widely in the future.
Expressions of interest for the trial would commence in July, with creative hoardings to be in place later in the year.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“Melbourne is renowned as Australia’s cultural capital, and we’re committed to working collaboratively with local artists and property developers to activate all corners of our city – including the ever-growing list of exciting construction projects.
“If endorsed, the creative hoardings trial will add vibrancy, light and storytelling to Melbourne’s streets, enticing more visitors to our great city.”
Quotes attributable to Creative Melbourne portfolio lead Councillor Jamal Hakim
“Melbourne is leading the way when it comes to our creative appeal – from the remarkable success of Flash Forward – transforming drab laneways into living works of art, it is hoped that our creative hoardings initiative might replicate that.
“Art is interchangeable, it is open to interpretation, but most importantly, it captivates. This is about using available space to demonstrate the incredible breadth of talent we have right at our doorstep.”
