To kick off NAIDOC Week 2020, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists are being invited to register their interest in the first major commission of public art for the Northern Beaches Coast Walk.

Spanning 36 kilometres between Manly and Palm Beach, the Northern Beaches Coast Walk is currently in development and is destined to attract great popularity as it winds along beachfronts and spectacular headlands, through residential communities and coastal villages.

Mayor Michael Regan said Council celebrating Indigenous stories and highlighting the significance of Aboriginal culture and place along the walk as the first major artwork commission was a proud moment for the Council.

“Our foundation project for the Coast Walk public art trail will be a community-based public art project that recognises the history and enduring presence of Aboriginal people in the Northern Beaches,” Cr Regan said.

“Through a curated series of Aboriginal stories, the Coast Walk presents an innovative way to inspire the public to experience the magnificent foreshore and its cultural heritage.”

The commission budget of $350,000 is funded by Council in partnership with the Office of Responsible Gambling. Artworks could include, but are not limited to, sculpture, immersive installations, sound works, functional/integrated art, light works, digital applications, environmental art and murals.

Northern Beaches Council is also seeking Expressions of Interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to fill three voluntary positions as Cultural Advisors to the Public Art Selection Panel.

The Advisors will assist the Selection Panel in the shortlisting and selection of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander artists/teams for the forthcoming Aboriginal Art and Storytelling Project.

For further information, please visit Council’s eProcurement portal to apply. The Expressions of Interest close on 24 November 2020.