Public Art in the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu

Public art plays an important role in celebrating the identity, culture, heritage, and natural landscape of the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu. Our community values creative expression and the way public artworks enhance our towns, tell local stories, and contribute to vibrant, welcoming public spaces.

This page outlines what public art is, the Shire’s guiding principles, and how artists, community groups, and organisations can propose new artworks for installation in public places.

What Is Public Art?

Public art refers to any visual artwork installed in a public space and designed to enrich the community’s experience of that place. It can take many forms, including:

  • Freestanding sculptures

  • Murals and painted surfaces

  • Artistic elements integrated into buildings or infrastructure

  • Digital, interactive, or multimedia installations

  • Temporary or ephemeral artworks

These pieces contribute to local character, support tourism and creative place-making, and help express our community’s culture and heritage.

Our Approach to Public Art

The Shire is committed to encouraging high-quality, meaningful and site-appropriate public art that:

  • Reflects our local identity, environment, stories, and distinct character

  • Respects and acknowledges Aboriginal heritage

  • Enhances public spaces in ways that encourage community pride

  • Meets public safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability standards

  • Considers long-term maintenance and asset management

  • Avoids content that is political, offensive, or discriminatory

All public artworks must align with the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan, particularly goals relating to tourism, cultural enrichment, and community identity.

This policy applies to all public artworks located on land under the Shire’s care and control, whether temporary or permanent, and whether initiated by the Shire or proposed by an external party.

Proposing Public Art

Artists, community groups, organisations, and businesses are welcome to propose public artworks for installation within the Shire. To begin, applicants must complete a Public Art Proposal Form.

PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL FORM

Your proposal will need to include:

  • Concept designs and a project plan

  • The proposed location

  • A description of the artwork’s purpose, theme, and how it complements the site

  • Materials, size, scale, and expected lifespan

  • Maintenance and public safety considerations

  • A community engagement plan (if relevant)

  • A full budget and funding sources

How Proposals Are Assessed

Once submitted, proposals are reviewed by the Shire in consultation with relevant stakeholders such as arts organisations, heritage advisors, or other internal departments.

Assessment is based on:

  • Artistic merit and originality

  • Alignment with Shire values, objectives, and community expectations

  • Suitability for the location and surrounding environment

  • Community benefit and potential engagement opportunities

  • Maintenance needs and safety considerations

  • Any impact on Shire resources or commitments

Permanent or significant artworks require Council approval. Temporary artworks may be approved under delegated authority by the Chief Executive Officer.

For artworks that are highly prominent or potentially sensitive, the Shire may undertake community consultation before making a final decision. Following approval, a Public Art Agreement will be established, outlining responsibilities, installation requirements, liability and insurance, ownership, maintenance expectations, and potential decommissioning arrangements.

Ownership and Maintenance

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, public artworks installed within the Shire remain the property and responsibility of the artist or commissioning group.

The artist or group is responsible for:

  • Maintaining the artwork in good condition

  • Undertaking repairs or restoration as needed

  • Holding appropriate public liability insurance

The Shire reserves the right to relocate, modify, or remove any public artwork if:

  • It becomes unsafe or significantly damaged

  • It obstructs future development

  • Public amenity or community interest requires its removal

Where possible, the Shire will give reasonable notice to the artist or owner before making any changes.

Find Out More

For further information or to discuss a potential project, please contact the Shire's Manager of Community and Customer Services on 9671 2500 or shire@wongan.wa.gov.au