Devonport’s first impression is set to receive a makeover, through a series of iconic public art commissions worth $1.15 million, and the Devonport City Council is calling for expressions of interest from artists statewide.
Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman said Council is keen to engage experienced artists to provide public artwork for two State and Federally funded projects, the $3 million State Vehicle Entry Point and the $1.25 million North-West Gateway Improvements projects.
Cr Jarman said this is a great opportunity for Tasmanian artists to be part of recreating Devonport’s first impression at the city’s key eight entry sites.
These sites include:
- The hill adjacent to the Tarleton Street/Bass Highway underpass
- Underpass Bass Highway at Tarleton Street
- Underpass Bass Highway at Formby Road
- John Street (south east corner of John and Wright Street)
- Corner of Tarleton/Wright Street
- East Devonport city entrance marker adjacent to the Bass Highway
- Don entrance sign
- Spreyton entrance sign.
“Council is looking for proposals that can intuitively convey characteristics that express Devonport’s unique identity and significance,” Cr Jarman said.
“Devonport is a city that you don’t want to miss. It’s a city that we want visitors to be enticed to stay longer and see more of, and for our residents to be proud to call home.
“This project is one way we can recreate our first impression in a creative way that celebrates our city. Public art is just one component of these projects with funding to also include improvements to the streetscape, signage and amenities.”
Council will provide an online information session for interested artists from 1pm on Wednesday, 21 December. The session will provide answers to questions and provide further detail on the project. Register via
Cr Jarman said expressions of interest can be submitted via Council’s website by Friday, 24 February 2023 and will be considered by Council’s Public Art Committee, who will shortlist three submissions for each of the eight sites, which will be subject to public consultation. The Public Art Committee will provide a series of recommendations to Council that will determine the successful submissions.
She said artists are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the two projects at the core of this public art request.
“The first project, the State Vehicle Entry Project, aims to beautify the Tasmanian sea port entrance at East Devonport to create a welcoming environment,” Cr Jarman said.
“The project recognises the importance of creating a good first impression and to encourage visitors to explore the North-West region of Tasmania.
“The second project, the North-West Gateway Improvement Project, has identified three sites, which will see city entrance markers created that are iconic, welcoming, distinctive and memorable.
“It is Council’s intention that each of the three city entrance artwork be indistinguishable, similar, or otherwise related.”
Expressions of Interest are available via Council’s website at
