Artists invited to apply for public art commission
Published on 08 May 2026
Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting artists to apply for a new public art commission as part of the Frederick Street and Mechanics Lane redevelopment in Castlemaine.
This proposed artwork will mark a moment of arrival at the Templeton Street entryway to the Frederick Street and Mechanics Lane redevelopment.
To help establish a vibrant arts and cultural hub, Mount Alexander Shire Council has proposed a series of open commissions for artists to create both temporary and permanent works in the streetscape.
The first of these is the Threshold Public Art Project on the Templeton Street kerbside.
This proposed commission sits alongside a series of commissions led by Dja Dja Wurrung enterprise DJANDAK, embedding Dja Dja Wurrung (Djaara) stories and cultural values in public art throughout the development.
Council is seeking an artist or collective to create an installation responding to the theme ‘Threshold’ - marking a place of arrival, movement and connection. The artwork may be freestanding or integrated into the parklet design and is intended to be experienced as people move through and pause in the space.
The Frederick Street and Mechanics Lane streetscape redevelopment is funded by the Australian Government. The project will deliver a safer, greener and more connected town centre. Works include:
- level footpaths
- new street trees
- a pedestrian crossing in Lyttleton Street
- a permanent stage and event space and
- public art and landscape features.
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Toby Heydon said the commission is a key part of the town centre transformation.
“This is a once in a generation project that will shape how people move through and experience our town,” Cr Heydon said.
“We’re excited to invite artists to express interest in helping to create a strong and distinctive gateway at the northern entry to this redevelopment.”
The potential commission is for one permanent artwork. We strongly encourage applications from First Peoples, artists in Central Victoria, female identifying artists, LGBTQIA+ people, people living with disability, and artists from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Expressions of Interest open on 8 May and close on 21 May. No artwork proposal is required at this stage. Shortlisted artists will be invited to develop concepts, with installation expected by April 2027.
More information: www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Threshold.