Melbourne is renowned for its Public Art program, which commenced in its current form in 2001.
The Program is informed by Public Art Framework 2012 – 2014 (Word, 93kb) 
which provides context and structure for the annual commissioning of temporary, seasonal and permanent artworks of varying scale and scope. Art works are sited throughout Melbourne’s public domain, making a walk around our city an ever-changing experience.
The Public Art Program embraces all contemporary art practices and works with both emerging and established artists. The Program aims to embed contemporary art in everyday life and provide opportunities for artists to contribute to the development and interpretation of the public domain.
The Public Art Program enables the City of Melbourne to:
- showcase the quality, diversity and innovation of arts practice in Melbourne
- demonstrate the arts’ role in reflecting community aspirations and the distinctive character of Melbourne
- express and explore Melbourne as an exciting, contemporary and cosmopolitan city that values the culture of its Traditional Owners and the many other people who have settled here
- increases community participation in cultural life.
Public Art Commissions
Temporary and permanent art works are funded by Council’s annual commitment of 1% for art from capital expenditure. Council advertises its intent to commission art works and does not accept concepts or approaches from artists outside of this advertised process.
Members of the Public Art Advisory Panel, consisting of representatives from the arts industries, help to guide the progress and growth of the Program and advise Council on commissions and strategic matters.
Submissions are now closed
In 2011 the City of Melbourne introduced a new public art commissioning structure for the creation of new artworks as part of its Public Art program in 2012. Read more about submitting an expression of interest (please note 2012 submissions are now closed).
Public Art Commissions 2012
Indigenous Laneway Commissions 2011
The Laneway Commissions have formed an integral part of Melbourne’s diverse cultural landscape since 2001.
The 2011 season of Laneway Commissions was the ninth and final season, and presented the most extensive exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public art in Victoria. The 2011 season ended on 25 March 2011.
Visit Laneway Commissions for more information.
1200 Buildings Public Art Commission
The 1200 Buildings Public Art Commission is the first of its kind in Melbourne and part of a growing global trend in combining art and green infrastructure. Artists were invited to propose works in response to questions such as Can the environmental leadership of one building transform a neighbourhood? and How can a public artwork assist in this transformation?
The building to host the public artwork, Green Spaces at 490 Spencer Street, is a signatory to the City of Melbourne's 1200 Buildings strategy which encourages and supports improvement to the energy, water and waste performance of Melbourne's commercial buildings.
By installing renewable energy and energy efficient technology and materials, the Green Spaces building has achieved carbon neutrality. The City of Melbourne in partnership with building owners of Green Spaces and Fort Knox Self Storage, have jointly funded the commission.
Artwork submissions sought to make visible the building’s unique functions and engage the community in a broader conversation around the vision for Eco-city Melbourne.
Visit 1200 Buildlings Public Art Commission for more information.
Permanent collection
The City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection comprises 8000 objects and artworks.
The indoor element of the Art and Heritage Collection includes items such as art, documents, photographs and memorabilia. City Gallery, located in the Melbourne Town Hall, draws on the collection for its exhibitions.
The outdoor element of the collection includes 150 sculptures, memorials, monuments, fountains and drinking fountains located in Melbourne's public realm.
Public artworks, descriptions and photographs (PDF, 4.6Mb)
Public artworks, descriptions only (Text only, 574kb)
Previous commissions and artworks
Explore Melbourne's public art
Contact us
Information on previous artworks and outdoor public art is available upon request. The Public Art Program also values your interest and feedback.
Subscribe to the Public Art Program mailing list.
Phone: (03) 9658 9658
TTY: (03) 9658 9461
Contact City of Melbourne online
Email: publicart@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Grants are also available to artists through the annual Arts Grants program.
The 2013 round opens 7 May and closes 18 June. Contact the Program Manager on 9658 8601 or 9658 9983 for further information.