Melton City Council Public Art Commission: Linear Park Sculptures Commission 2021

Artist Brief Submission closing date: Friday 27th August

Melton City Council Contents

Acknowledgment .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Project Overview ........................................................................................................................................................... 3

Background ................................................................................................................................................................... 3

The Growth Project ....................................................................................................................................................... 4

Artwork Concept - Growth: Cultural Change ................................................................................................................ 4

Commission Aims .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

Location and Public Art Opportunities .......................................................................................................................... 5

Linear Park, Cypress Views, St Vincent Way Caroline Springs, Victoria ........................................................................ 5

Site Considerations and Landscaping .......................................................................................................................... 11

Application Process ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

Submission of expressions of interest ........................................................................................................................ 11

Concept Design Phase ................................................................................................................................................. 12

Concept Design Progress Report ................................................................................................................................ 12

Concept Design Deliverables ...................................................................................................................................... 12

Final Concept Submission - ......................................................................................................................................... 12

Concept Design Presentation ...................................................................................................................................... 13

Concept Selection Criteria .......................................................................................................................................... 13

Selection and Curatorial Decision-making .................................................................................................................. 13

Public Art Review Sub-committee .............................................................................................................................. 13

Materials ..................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................... 14

Decommissioning ........................................................................................................................................................ 15

Community Engagement ............................................................................................................................................ 15

Installation .................................................................................................................................................................. 15

Commission Budget .................................................................................................................................................... 16

Concept Design Fees ................................................................................................................................................... 16

Linear Park Commission budget ................................................................................................................................. 16

Contracts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Documenting of Artwork ............................................................................................................................................ 16

Crediting of Artwork ................................................................................................................................................... 16

Confidentiality, Publicity and Media Requirements ................................................................................................... 17

Public Program Event .................................................................................................................................................. 17

Life span ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17

Artists Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................................ 17

Melton City Council Arts and Culture Team Responsibilities...................................................................................... 18

Melton City Council Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................... 18

Contact ........................................................................................................................................................................ 18

Further Information .................................................................................................................................................... 18

Program ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19

Appendices .................................................................................................................................................................. 20

Melton City Council Public Art Commission: Linear Park Sculptures

Acknowledgment Melton City Council acknowledges the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the land we now call Victoria and celebrates the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest continuous living culture. Melton City Council pays respect to the Elders, past, present and emerging, of the Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri), Wadawurrung and Boonwurrung people.

Project Overview Melton City Council is seeking to commission an artist to create an installation of sculptural works in Linear Park, beside St Vincent Way, Caroline Springs, running from Taylor’s Road to the north down through The Avenue Park south to Caroline Springs Boulevard. This area was once agricultural land, the cypress trees and remnants of the stone wall indicate that it was farmland most probably used for sheep farming. See map on page 7 The new public artwork will replace the public artwork previously situated in this location, ‘Chainsaw Art’ by John Brady which consisted of four carved wood sculptures installed into the four garden beds, recently decommissioned after 10 years due to deterioration of the materials (predominantly wood). The work will form the inaugural public artwork of The Growth Project, a new initiative from The City of Melton exploring artistic responses to rapid growth and change in infrastructure, demographics, social cohesion, and cultural identity of the city.

Background The City of Melton is a place where everyone belongs, and is enriched by cultural, linguistic, and social diversity. There is a rich Aboriginal heritage through three different but related language groups, Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri), Wadawurrung and Boonwurrung. The first European settlers arrived in 1830 and developed a rich pastoral and farming heritage. The City of Melton welcomes people from around the world with a particularly large number of the City’s residents born in India, the Philippines, New Zealand, Malta, and Vietnam. In recent years, the city has also welcomed an increase of people from African and Asian nations. The area is one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities with close to 6000 people moving to the area per annum over the past decade, equating to the addition of around 34 new families per week. The city’s population is one of the youngest in Victoria, with more than 70 per cent of the population aged under 40 years old. Melton City Council is committed to the development of a vibrant arts community, providing opportunities to activate and enhance the public realm through public art, participatory art projects, events, and learning opportunities. A cornerstone of our arts program at Melton City Council is our diverse public art collection. Since 1999, Melton City Council has been developing public art opportunities in selected urban spaces in our local government area. This has resulted in the commissioning of a number of new works in previous years, including large works and installations by Warren Langley, Greer Taylor, Charles Anderson, and Anderson Hunt which have all been well received and supported by the local community.

The Growth Project In a relatively short time span Melton and the surrounding area has changed significantly. On the traditional lands of the Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri), Wadawurrung and Boonwurrung peoples, the region became a village supplying travellers to the Gold Rush from Melbourne surrounded by huge pastoral estates, and then a satellite city, to now, Melbourne's fastest growing municipality.

Artwork Concept - Growth: Cultural Change This artwork will respond to the idea of rapid cultural change in the community. On traditional lands of the Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri), Wadawurrung and Boonwurrung, settlers established a small, predominantly Scottish and English Protestant and farming community. A significant period of growth in the late 1960s and 1970s was characterised by young Anglo-Australians and British migrants to diverse cultures engaged in a range of industries. Melton now has a large migrant community with prominent language groups such as Punjabi, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic. Artists are invited to respond to information gathered through community consultation about the site, as well as through Council community networks, to respond to the idea of cultural change in the community, potentially incorporating Aboriginal as well as migrant perspectives in the work. This broad concept will be further developed by the commissioned Consultant once the community engagement phase is complete.

Commission Aims

• To create a new public artwork which will replace the much-loved works situated on St Vincent Way, which have been recently decommissioned

• To deliver a well-considered series of sculptures which will be the inaugural work in The Growth Project • To deliver a site-specific public artwork within the residential area of Cypress Views • To reflect stories, themes and issues that are relevant to area residents • To create a work which is made of durable material ensuring the work can be appreciated and enjoyed for

many years to come • To provide a professionally executed public artwork that complements the existing public artworks in the City

of Melton • To boost civic pride in our shared open spaces through the installation of public art.

Location and Public Art Opportunities Linear Park, Cypress Views, St Vincent Way Caroline Springs, Victoria The area that can be considered runs from Taylors Road to the north, down to Caroline Springs Boulevard. This is a long narrow stretch of parkland which also features the remains of a dry-stone wall, the site was used for sheep farming and features a row of large, established Cypress trees.

Surrounding area – St Vincent Way contd:

Artwork location Part A:

Site measurements: 13m circumference, 220cm x 240cm (w x l)

Artwork location Part B:

Site measurements: 10m circumference, 230cm x 260cm (w x l)

Artwork location Part C:

Site measurements: 9.5m circumference, 220cm x 240cm (w x l)

Artwork location Part D:

Site measurements: 8.5-9m circumference, 250cm x 230cm x 220cm x 220cm (variable)

Site Considerations and Landscaping This commission should be conducted in close liaison with our Parks and Open Spaces and Heritage advisors or local authorities to consider the following activities to assist with the preparation of the site for public art: - Reconstruct and/or respond to the drystone wall which may have heritage significance - Design to consider the large coniferous Macrocarpa trees which run in a line along the width of the park - Identify location of underground pipes and electrical lines (Dial Before You Dig) - Tree root removal – there may be remains of large root systems underneath some locations in Linear Park - Infill planting - Mulching - Replacement tree planting - Uplift pruning for improved passive surveillance The previous artwork on this site was undertaken on the trunks of the former Cypress windbreak trees. The trunks have now been removed, and while this leaves 4 sites ready for replacement, if a landscaping plan was approved in conjunction with this public artwork commission, it may be possible to consider alternative sites within the Linear Park boundaries. The location of the artworks may be reconsidered (if all stakeholders approve) so that they are located closer to pathways and are made more tactile and engaging for park users.

Application Process Artist are invited to submit expressions of interest (EOI) in response to this brief, via the application form which will be sent out with this brief A shortlist of three artists will be selected by the Public Art Review Sub-committee and project curator, T Projects Fees are paid to shortlisted artists on receipt of each concept that meets all requirements. Concept design submissions are reviewed by the Public Art Review Sub-committee and project curator, T Projects Preferred concept is selected to proceed to final commission. Preferred artist will be contracted to proceed to detailed design to deliver the selected concept.

Submission of expressions of interest

EOI submissions will be accepted from Monday 20th July to Friday 27th August, no entries will be accepted after this time.

Artists should complete the application form which requires the following information:

• A short biography and CV, maximum 3 pages, including details of experience delivering projects of a similar scale, budget, and technical complexity

• A brief description of your current artistic practice and why this project is of interest to you, 500 words max • Portfolio of artworks, including comparable public art commissions, up to 15 images max, labelled as follow

“artists name_artwork title_location/gallery_date” • Two references preferably from a previous client, commissioner or curator related to a previous public art

commission

**Artists are specifically instructed not to submit any drawings or concepts. Please only submit the various items listed above as per the application form, any images or text submitted that is in addition to the requested information will not be reviewed

Expressions of Interest Selection Criteria

• Evidence of quality and artistic merit of work to date • Potential to create an innovative response to the brief • Relevant experience of similar scale budgets • Understanding and experience working in multidisciplinary teams • Experience in participating and responding to community engagement

The three most suited EOI submissions will be selected to proceed to concept design development

Concept Design Phase Three shortlisted artists will be invited to a site meeting to meet with Melton City Council representatives including Team Leader Arts Engagement and Development, Coordinator Libraries and Arts and a representative from the Sub-committee (TBC) and the project curator, T Projects before developing detailed concept proposals and present these to Public Art Review Sub-committee and project curator, T Projects for consideration. Artists will undertake a 6-week concept development period. During this time artists are asked to develop creative responses to the brief and the location informed by the community consultations, site visits and the commission brief. Halfway through this concept development period artists should produce written concept update reports which will be reviewed by the project curators to ensure they are making the required progress. See Schedule set out later in this brief. At the end of the concept design development period, Artists will deliver a formal presentation of their concept designs to the Public Art Review Sub-committee and project curator, T Projects

Concept Design Progress Report The project curators will work closely with the artists to support them during the concept development period and may request further clarification on any aspects of the proposals which are not clear at any time during this phase. A Concept update report must be submitted after 24 working-days (by 15th October) and include the following:

• Concept development update: Written response outlining how your concept is developing and how it responds to this brief (2 x A4 pages maximum).

• In progress concept visualisations: Visualisations may consist of 2D drawings, CAD drawings, 3D renders, models or maquettes, CGI imagery, photography, moving image or other media that can assist to visualise your concept.

Reports are to be submitted to victoria.@tprojects.co

Concept Design Deliverables Final Concept Submission - Artist’s concept design submissions to be submitted 2 working days in advance of the scheduled presentation on the week of 8th to 12th November and should include the following:

• Concept overview and response to brief: A written response describing your concept and how it responds to this brief (2 x A4 pages min, no more than 4 x A4 pages).

• Visualisations: Visualisations may consist of 2D drawings, CAD drawings, 3D renders, models or maquettes, CGI imagery, photography, moving image, VR/AR or other media to visualise the concept proposed.

• Proposed fabrication methodology: This should include preferred suppliers, engineers, fabricators etc. Please submit any relevant supporting material with the proposal

• Overview of artwork materials: Please provide evidence or demonstrated understanding of:

o Robust and appropriate materials which are fit for purpose for the public realm including

o Durability, lifespan, and environmental sustainability factors of the artwork

• Maintenance and servicing requirements of the artwork (these should not be considered as part of the set budget; however, an outline of the projected maintenance requirements should be provided).

• Detailed budget: Please provide a detailed budget which includes:

o Artist’s Fees covering detailed design, design for certification, fabrication, production, and installation

o Artwork and material costs (if exceeding pre-existing and integrated architectural material and fit out)

o Any other related costs including consultancy fees, engineers, or technical specialists required to realise the project

o Quotes from minimum of two potential fabricators

Concept Design Presentation On completion of concept designs the shortlisted artists will be invited to present their concepts to the Melton City Council Public Art Review Sub-committee and project curator, T Projects. Artists will be given 45 minutes to present a summary of their submission and their concept designs to the Melton City Council Public Art Review Sub-committee and project curator, T Projects. This will include time for questions and answers. A copy of the concept design submission and presentation must be submitted before the presentation to victoria.@tprojects.co The final selection will be based on the artist’s concepts and presentations.

Concept Selection Criteria

• Evidence of high quality, contemporary arts practice. The artist or artists have experience and skills to deliver strong public art outcomes.

• Suitability of the concept to the site, clear evidence of consideration of existing/planned urban design, public safety, public use, environmental and physical impact.

• Relevance of the concept to local stories, themes, or issues; relevant to residents and/or includes plans for community engagement.

• Expected durability and required maintenance of the concept • Concept is feasible within commission budget and resources • Concept is consistent with Council’s current planning, heritage, environmental and social policies

Selection and Curatorial Decision-making Melton City Council retains the right to make final decisions on commissioned artworks in all circumstances. This includes full discretion to direct, curate and select work for this commission. Unless otherwise notified, no reasons or feedback will be provided to applicants on the outcome of their proposals or on curatorial decisions relating to the selected work. Melton City Council may request meetings with the commissioned Artist in the lead-up to the commission to assist and oversee the development of the work for this commission.

Public Art Review Sub-committee The Sub-committee of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee is formed on a project-to-project basis to assess all proposals for permanent works. The sub-committee comprises of

- Two Community members from the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee - One Councillor from the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee - Three representatives from the Public Art Working Group - Team Leader Arts Engagement and Development

- Coordinator Library and Arts Activation - Manager Libraries and Arts

The sub-committee is convened by the Team Leader, Arts Engagement and Development at the beginning of the planning phase of each new public artwork.

Materials It is expected that the final artwork to be executed with durable materials suitable for installation outdoors, understanding the constraints of weather in the area. The artist is responsible for all materials and associated personal protective equipment (PPE). The work should be made using steel, stainless steel, or other hard-wearing materials. Please note, the predominant use of wood as a material in the work is prohibited due to concerns about the longevity and ongoing maintenance of the work. Please also note the dilapidated stone wall running through Linear Park may have heritage significance and needs to be accounted for.

Maintenance Melton City Council is responsible for the maintenance and safe keeping of all Council commissioned or acquired public artworks. Excepting contractual exclusions, public art assets are to be managed under Council’s Asset Management Policy and procedures, with specific regard to maintenance linked with Council’s corporate and business plans (including the Long-Term Financial Plan), budgets and reporting processes. Public art is listed on Council’s Public Art Register and Maintenance Plan, which is the responsibility of Arts and Culture Unit to update and document, and for Council’s Asset Management team to implement. Artworks must comply with the following maintenance guidelines:

• Artworks must not block the pathway through the park • Artworks should not substantially block essential sightlines or create any potential impact to public safety • Artworks should be easy to clean and maintain • Repairs or replacement requirements – prior agreements must be reached regarding the repair or

replacement of artworks or components of the artworks where applicable • All artworks and materials used in the fabrication of artworks are to be approved in advance by Melton City

Council • All artworks to adhere to any relevant OH&S and fire regulations where applicable • Artworks are required to have a maintenance schedule and an agreed life expectancy of 20 years • At the commencement of the commission the anticipated life and warranties for the work are to be agreed

with the artist and fabricator/s.

A maintenance schedule is to be supplied by the commissioned artist which must include:

• Artist and fabricators contact details • Photographic documentation • Site location and curatorial description of artwork • Materials and installation details • Dimensions • Cleaning, maintenance, and conservation schedule • Technical information and replacement parts where applicable • List of major sub-contractors and materials suppliers • List of materials and material specifications • Expected lifespan of the work • De-installation instructions and protocols

Decommissioning Public artworks can have a limited life span and Melton City Council’s Public Art Collection is managed to account for damage, degradation, and potential theft. Circumstances where council might deaccession a piece of public art include:

• The cost of repairing the artwork exceeds the original value of the artwork • The artwork has been vandalised, or parts have been removed, to the extent that it is irreparable, or the

reputation of the artist is at risk • It has outlived its intended lifespan • That negative public opinion influences the removal of the artwork

In any of these circumstances the moral rights of the artist must be respected under the Copyright Act 1968 and correct procedures followed with respect to the artists’ reputation, attribution, and as the first copyright owner of the work. Artists must always be contacted prior to de-accessioning a work

Where applicable the Team Leader, Arts Engagement and Development will write a report to council notifying Council of the rationale behind the option to de-accession an artwork. If the artwork needs to be decommissioned the artwork will be fully documented for archival purposes.

Community Engagement It is expected that this commission will be developed in direct consultation with the local community surrounding the park, and with residents of the wider suburb. Community engagement will be designed in collaboration with Melton City Council and will include a model for developing local champions for the public art piece. Specific groups for engagement may include, but are not limited to: - Regular park users and walkers - Local nursing home (Ceasia Gardens 48-58 Central Parkway Caroline Springs) - Local church (Red Door Anglican Church, 248 Caroline Springs Boulevard) - Local services (Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health, 24 Central Parkway, Caroline Springs) - All residents living in view of park site

Installation Artwork will be fabricated offsite before being installed into the garden beds (or approved alternative locations in Linear Park) with arrangements for the appropriate footings/concrete slab made. The artist is responsible for taking all reasonable measures to ensure the artwork is fully secured and designed to resist theft and damage once installed.

Commission Budget The total commission budget is $200,000 + GST, which is broken down into $3000 x 3 for three shortlisted artists concept fees and $190,000 for the selected concept fee to be realized for the final artworks Concept Design Fees Shortlisted artists will each be paid a concept design fee of $3000 (inclusive of superannuation) which will include development and submission of their concept design in response to this brief, attending site briefings and any other meetings, any specialist advice and services sought by the artists, concept presentations to Melton City Council, travel and any other costs related to concept development and delivery. Linear Park Commission budget The total budget for the Linear Park Commission budget is $190,000. This budget is to cover the following:

• Artists fees (inclusive of superannuation) • Fabrication costs • Installation costs • Specialist advice and services (such as architects, engineers, lighting specialists and legal representatives)

specifically required for the art commission • Insurance • Contingencies and miscellaneous costs

Contracts The selected Artist will be contracted by Melton City Council to deliver the preferred concept design. Documenting of Artwork The final artwork will be documented by still and moving image by Melton City Council, documentation will be shared with the Artist. The sharing of documentary images and select information concerning the commission with third party organisations for presentations, education or academic purposes, knowledge sharing, or archiving, will be at the discretion of Melton City Council. Appropriate consent forms will be provided with parental consent sought for any imagery of children under the age of 16.

Crediting of Artwork In all instances, Melton City Council, will aim to correctly credit the Artist as the creator of the artwork in a reasonably prominent position near the artwork. The Artist should indicate to Melton City Council, how they wish to be credited.

Confidentiality, Publicity and Media Requirements All Artists should be aware that the concept designs and preferred artwork may be shared on the Melton City Council web pages and social media channels. Melton City Council are not responsible for any reposting of images outside channels associated with the Project. Where practical, the Melton City Council will endeavour to appropriately tag and credit images of the artwork. Artists should be willing to participate in media, social media, and events to promote their work in context of the Project, as required by Melton City Council. Artists must not directly or indirectly share details of the commission, including via media or social media, without prior written approval from Melton City Council. Confidentiality Requirements - Artists (including all their employees, agents, and advisers) will

• Use and reproduce Confidential Information only to perform their obligations under the engagement

• Not disclose or otherwise make available Confidential Information other than to personnel who have a need to know the information to enable the Artist/Artist teams to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

• All Confidential Information will remain the property of Melton City Council and all copies or other records

containing the Confidential Information (or any part of it) must be returned by the Artist/Artist teams to Melton City Council on termination or expiry of this Agreement.

• Artists acknowledge that Melton City Council will be entitled (in addition to any other remedy it may have)

to seek an injunction or other equitable relief with respect to any actual or threatened breach by the Artist/Artist team of this requirement and without the need on the part of Melton City Council to prove any special damage.

Public Program Event This commission includes the provision by the artist for one public program event. The artist will be required to provide a guest talk at a public event at a time and date to be arranged within two weeks of final installation. Melton City Council also requests that the artist be available for a video interview and photo documentation within two weeks of final installation.

Life span This work will be designed to specifications and use materials suitable to last a lifespan of a minimum of 20 years. Please note that Council makes no guarantees or warranties as to how long the artwork will remain in the public domain. The artist should acknowledge and agree that the artwork may be removed for any reason including where an unapproved/unauthorised artwork appears, vandalism, damage, theft, or graffiti occurs, or where Council deems it reasonable that the artwork requires decommissioning.

Artists Responsibilities The artist will be responsible for their own safety, and comply with all laws, regulations, mandatory standards (including safety standards) and the directions of regulatory authorities that may relate to the project including industry codes and guidelines and obtain any necessary permits or licences. The artist will be responsible for the maintenance of the artwork without additional fee if damage occurs only as a result of faulty workmanship within a warranty period of the first 12 months. Melton City Council will monitor the work and report any warranty issues to the artist for rectification. The artist must hold their own public liability insurance, up to $20,000,000.00, and professional indemnity of $5,000,000.00 for the duration of installation and their warranty period of 12 months following completion.

Melton City Council Arts and Culture Team Responsibilities Melton City Council will:

• Photograph and document the artwork • Gain relevant approvals internally for the commission to proceed at the proposed site • Promote the outcomes of the commission

Melton City Council Responsibilities Melton City Council will liaise with associated stakeholders where requested and reasonable.

Contact For more information, questions, or comments, please contact the project curator Victoria Jones, Victoria@tprojects.co or the Melton City Council Arts and Culture Team on artsandculture@melton.vic.gov.au, tel. (03) 9747 5300

Further Information This public art brief has been prepared by the Project Curators - T Projects Global Pty Ltd on behalf of Melton City Council. T Projects are creative and cultural consultants and curators, integrating permanent public art into complex, built environments based in Melbourne.

Program

Activity

Duration Dates

Artist EOI announced

Tuesday 20h July

EOI Submissions period

6 weeks

Community Engagement Stage 1

Completed by Friday 27th August

EOI Submission closing date

Friday 27th August

EOI Assessment and shortlisting 10 (T Projects)

2 weeks Monday 30th August to Sunday 12th September

A shortlist of 3 artists is selected by the Public Art Review Sub-committee and invited to submit full concept proposals

2 weeks Review meeting scheduled between Monday 13th and Friday 24th September

Concept development period

6 weeks Between Monday 27th September to 7th November

On site briefing meeting #1 with Council in Parks and Open Spaces

Within first two weeks of concept period

Between Monday 27th September to 8th October

Community Engagement stage #2

Within first two weeks of concept period

Between Monday 27th September to 8th October

Concept Progress Report due, halfway through the concept development

Due by Friday 15th October

Community Engagement Stage 3

Within second half of concept period

TBC

Meeting #2 with Council in Parks and Open Spaces (if required)

Within second half of concept period

TBC

Artists Concept presentations x 3 reviewed by the Public Art Review Sub-committee,

1 day meeting Within week of 8th to 12th November

Preferred concept recommended to Council through the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee

1 day meeting

Recommendation Report prepared

1 week plus issue to Arts and Culture Advisory Committee on Monday 22nd

12th – 24th November Report to be issued by 18th November

Arts and Culture Advisory Committee Meeting – Final Recommendation to Council

25 November Final Report submitted to Council 26 November

Recommendation Reviewed at Council Meeting

13th December

Artist Contracted

1 week 15th December to 17th December

Detailed design

17th December to 4th March

Detailed design and fabrication specifications deadline

4th March

Specifications approval, engineering approvals

2 weeks 4th March – 18th March

Fabrication

13 weeks 19th March – 11th June

Installation

2 weeks 12th June to July

Project completion

July 2022

Speaking Event (Date TBC, within 2 weeks of works completion)

Appendices

- Melton City Council - Public Art Policy - Council and Wellbeing Plan 2017-20 - Open Space Plan 2016-26 - Community Infrastructure Planning Policy - Community Engagement Policy