St Kilda Library Mural Opportunity

Project background

Council is seeking to commission a Mural Artist or Mural Artist Group to paint a vibrant and uplifting mural on a brick wall behind the St Kilda Library at 25 Duke Street, St Kilda. (see image below).

Located at the rear entrance of the library, the wall adjoins the neighboring property and is surrounded by green space and garden beds. It also lies adjacent to a high-traffic footpath that sees heavy pedestrian use for people from Carlisle St accessing the rear of the St Kilda Library on Duke St. Over the years, the wall has been the target of frequent tagging and vandalism, causing it to appear unsightly and requiring it to be constantly cleaned.

The artwork will serve as an opportunity to enhance the look and feel of the area, as well as collaborate with the local community and residents to identify and incorporate themes, stories and ideas they wish to celebrate. 

The proposed new artwork must be delivered with minimal impact to the current function of the road, footpath, accessway through, and limited impact to native vegetation or fauna.

Artwork brief

The following things must be considered when applying:

• The artwork should reflect the local community’s stories/ themes/ concepts and relate to the future vision and immediate surrounding area.
• The artwork must be suitable for a highly visible, highly visited public space and be welcoming, vibrant, inclusive and family-friendly.
• Artists can apply on their own or as an Artist Group
• The artwork needs to cover the entire spaces allocated and should not include expansive negative space that might be inviting to taggers.
• The proposed concept must be original and must not contain business logos, advertising material, or imagery that is offensive; nor is it to be seen to promote anti-social behavior or political bias.
• The artwork will be coated by an anti-graffiti coating once complete
• Total sqm of wall is 60 metres
• The completed artwork should require limited maintenance but will be included in Council’s proactive vandalism schedules to remove illegal graffiti.

Project delivery

All elements must adhere to the following specifications:

• Be painted in a professional acrylic paint for outdoor use – or professional Spray paint
• Cover the entirety of the wall spaces - Outlined in the images below
• Respond to the public realm context in form and colour
• Professional wall preparation to allow ephemeral artwork to last at least 7-10 years
• Must be able to withstand Melbourne’s unpredictable weather such as wind, temperature changes, heat, hail
• Be resistant to vandalism by coating the mural in Anti-Graffiti protection
• Not impede on sight lines between traffic and pedestrians
• Meet all necessary Australian Standards for safety and accessibility
• Ensure no obstructions or impediments to pedestrian, bicycle or vehicle traffic.

Work on the site location will need to be completed during business hours. It is the applicant’s responsibility to maintain a safe working environment and immediately report to the City of Port Phillip any issues that may arise on site.

When working on the site, contractors must provide protection to the adjacent property, lights, trees, kerbs and paving if required. Any damage made must be fixed and reported to the Council immediately. A risk assessment and work safety statement must be supplied to Council.

The artist(s) will be responsible for:

• All costs associated with the artwork installation
• Attending meetings as required and working with Council to develop the artwork concept and installation schedule within Council’s timelines.
• Working with Council to ensure the artwork is appropriate for the site
• Delivery of the art as mutually agreed with Council and relevant stakeholders
• Providing a maintenance schedule if required.
• Participation in media calls, interviews and publicity if requested
• Public Liability Insurance to cover $20,000,000 (insurance will be covered by Auspicing Agency)

Council will be responsible for:

• Promoting and hosting a community engagement workshop to be facilitated by the artist/s
• Maintenance of the work after 6 months
• Project management
• Permits where required.

Copyright

The artist will be asked to sign a Non-exclusive copyright agreement with the City of Port Phillip to cover usage of the artwork by the City in the following instances:

• Online use for Port Phillip City Collection online database
• Possible future publication of the artwork in Council promotions, Port Phillip City Collection exhibition programs and publications.

Project timelines

5 April 2026, 11.59 pm - Expressions of interest due date

April 2026 - Artists will be notified of the outcome of their submission*

End of April 2026 - Artist/s to provide Design draft  

May 2026 - Installation completion*

*Please note, timelines are subject to change

Budget

The maximum budget for the project is $8,000 (ex GST).

This budget will need to cover all costs associated with the project and the winning applicant’s scope of work, including, but not limited to:

Additional claims for disbursements will not be accepted. The contractor should prepare, as part of their quotation submission, a project budget showing how the fee has been derived. The submission must also clearly articulate any assumptions and exclusions.

Contractual arrangements

Payment of the budget will be made in two instalments:

1. 50% upon signing contract
2. 50% upon installation

Working with an auspice organisation

Applicants must be an incorporated body/company, or auspiced by an auspice organisation prior to applying to meet any Superannuation Guarantee and Australian Tax Office and other legislative requirements.

An auspice organisation may advise and assist with budget, legal and insurance requirements and may charge a small administration fee. An applicant should have a written agreement with their project auspice organisation. Please note that the auspice fee and superannuation contributions will be paid on top of allocated budget by council.

Selection process

Assessment criteria will include:

• The ability of the artist/s to create an original, site-specific, high-quality artwork/s
• The artwork/s contributes to an attractive, stimulating and functional environment, and does not detract from the amenity or safety of the public realm.
• The artwork is robust, and materials have been selected for durability. Artwork materials will not cause impediment or interference with surrounding property, business or traffic. Any inherent risk (i.e. light, reflectivity) is addressed in the proposal where relevant.
• Consent from First Nations representatives will be noted as required where cultural material and traditional images, icons or symbols are used or referenced.
• Previous experience delivering similar projects within timelines and budget.

Details to include in submission

• Name of applicant or company, postal address, legal entity, Australian Business Number (ABN).
  Please note, applicant must be incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act or supported by an Incorporated Association that is deemed to be non-profit, as classified by the Australian Taxation Office (section 103A(2) (c) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936).
• Resume or portfolio.
• Evidence of previous project experience, including examples of completed public murals (of a similar nature), concept statements and total project cost.
• Nomination of two referees.
• Certificate of Currency of required insurances.

Contact us

For further information contact:

Jah Smith
Graffiti and Street Art Programs Officer
Email: jah.smith@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0414 011 307