Graham Street Skatepark, Port Melbourne

Project background

Council is commissioning an Mural Artist or Mural Artist Group to paint the Graham Street Skatepark in Port Melbourne. (see image below).

The Port Melbourne Skate Park is situated beneath the Graham Street overpass in Port Melbourne, near the intersection of Swallow and Station Streets and alongside the 109 tram line. 

Due to its prominent location, it frequently attracts tagging and vandalism. The skatepark is popular among both local and visiting skateboarders. It is bordered by parklands on either side and lies adjacent to a wide, high-traffic footpath that sees heavy pedestrian and bicycle use. As a result, the current state of the skatepark, with its messy graffiti and tagging, can appear unsightly and detracts from the surrounding area.

The artwork will serve as an opportunity to collaborate with the local community and skatepark users to explore themes and ideas. The Artist selected will be commissioned to workshop these ideas with the community. 

The proposed new artwork will be delivered with minimum impact to the current function of the road and footpath. No native vegetation or fauna will be impacted as the proposal takes place on a wide concrete footpath.

Artwork brief

The following things must be considered when applying:

• The artwork should relate to the local area through themes that are mindful of local community’s history/themes/concepts/aspirations and this location as a skatepark
• The artwork must cover the vertical concrete open space of the skatepark
• The artwork must be suitable for a highly visible, highly visited public space and be welcoming, vibrant inclusive and family-friendly
• Artist can apply on his own or as an Artist Group
• The artwork will be included in Council’s Public Art collection
• 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 walls is 120 metres
• The completed artwork would require limited maintenance but will be included in 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
• Not to include predominantly a colour palette of Red / Green or Orange
• Meet all necessary Australian Standards for safety and accessibility
• Ensure no obstructions or impediments to pedestrian, bicycle or vehicle traffic

Both sides of all six vertical walls are to be included in the scope of the project. See outline in red and arrows which indicate which walls are to be included.

Work on the site location will need to be completed during business hours. It is the applicant’s duty 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:

• The facilitation of a community engagement workshop to inform the design and creative of the artwork
• 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
• Permit where required

Budget

The maximum budget for the project is $20,000 (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:

• investigations
• meetings
• reporting
• equipment
• materials
• transport
• delivery fees
• maintenance
• risk assessment
• design
• installation
• traffic management plan if required
• Auspicing fees

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.

Project timelines

31 August 2025, 11.59 pm - Expressions of interest due date

5 September 2025 - Artists will be notified of the outcome of their submission*

End of September 2025 - Artist/s to facilitate community engagement workshop

End of October 2025 - Installation completion *

*Please note, timelines are subject to change

Contractual arrangements

Applicants must be an incorporated body/company, or auspiced by a body, such as Auspicious Arts.

Payment of the fee will be made in two instalments:

• 50% Upon the signing the contract
• 50% After installation

Selection process

The assessment panel will comprise of invitees from the following groups: council officers and other stakeholders.

Assessment criteria will include:

• Response to the brief,
• Originality of concept,
• Site specific response, and
• Ability to deliver a high-quality public artwork(s).

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 (if applicable)

Proposals are to be emailed on or before 11.59 pm – 31 August 2025 to jah.smith@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Contact us

For further information contact:

Jah Smith, Graffiti and Street Art Programs

Email: jah.smith@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0414 011 307