The City of Sydney is calling for curators to develop and deliver major new public art programs in the city centre and in Green Square, Australia’s largest urban development site.

The curatorial advisors will be engaged for at least three years and will work closely with City staff and the Public Art Advisory Panel to research and commission new permanent and temporary artworks in each precinct.

Mayor Clover Moore said the projects offered curators an extraordinary opportunity to transform Sydney’s public spaces and help shape the cultural life of the city.

“The value of art is plain to see in great cities like Barcelona and Chicago – as well as the contribution of artists and other creative people in shaping and enlivening the experience of city life,” Moore said.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help bring our public art strategy to life in two of Sydney’s most important precincts.

“These areas are set to experience significant change in the next few years, so we’re looking for passionate, talented people to help create significant new artworks for our streets and public spaces.”

The City has committed $180 million to support George Street’s transformation into a light rail and pedestrian boulevard with new lighting, paving, trees, public art and street furniture. New public artworks along the length of the street and in its squares and laneways are an important part of the City’s plans for the precinct.

The Green Square urban development area, which includes the suburbs of Alexandria, Beaconsfield, Rosebery, Waterloo and Zetland, is set to deliver 20,000 new homes, 40,000 new residents and 22,000 new jobs by 2030.

The City has set aside more than $500 million to ensure the precinct is developed as a world leader in environmental sustainability and design excellence.

The City is responsible for the delivery of several major infrastructure and public domain projects in and around the Green Square Town Centre, and has identified the integration of meaningful and sustainable public artworks as a priority for the area. Sydney2030.com.au 

Design plans for the Green Square Town Centre site by Mirvac Design and Gehl Architects were re-exhibited late last year.