EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Public Art for Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

EOI submissions due: 11 April 2025 @ 12pm to mail@somerset.qld.gov.au

Somerset Regional Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) by Somerset and South East Queensland artists to deliver public artworks for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

The artwork opportunities will form part of Council’s application in The South East Queensland City Deal Public Art Initiative. Under the Initiative, Somerset Regional Council (Somerset) will receive $400,000 for public art commissions within its jurisdiction to be delivered by 31 March 2027.

Artworks commissioned will respond to the project’s curatorial rationale, and reflect the history and character of the region, its unique First Nations heritage, rural nature and landscapes, and the townships and people that define its contemporary character. 

Within the project there will be an opportunity to design and deliver both sculptural and two dimensional artworks for permanent display along the trail.

Somerset Regional Council encourages artist at all stages of their practice to apply. Emerging and local artists will be offered the opportunity to be mentored, supported and guided by an established public artist.

CURATORIAL RATIONALE

Journeying the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

The early roads in Somerset were established along First Nations pathways, morphing from stock routes into railway and roads from the 1820s. This rationale reflects the multiple layers of history, culture, and human activity embedded in the landscape along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, offering a rich narrative that connects Indigenous traditions, early European settlement, and modern-day recreation. The central theme revolves around journeying, reflecting the region’s role as an important corridor for movement, exchange, and development. Through the commissioning of artworks that explore the deep-rooted history of the area, the trail will highlight significant cultural narratives, landscapes, and transformations over time.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Artist proposals should include the following: 

• Short response, up to 200 words, outlining how your art practice connects to the curatorial rationale
• Curriculum Vitae (preferably no more than 2-3 pages)
• Artist Biography (no more than 200 words) and
• Up to five (5) images of previous artwork/s or links to view online.

Please email your Expression of Interest to mail@somerset.qld.gov.au no later than 11 April 2025 @ 12pm.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

Artist proposals will be assessed by Somerset’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee. When assessing your application, the Committee will consider the following: 

1. Curatorial Framework

Artist is strongly interested in engaging with or interpreting the curatorial rationale, and their art practice has a thematic alignment with the rationale.

2. Artistic Merit

The artist’s previous artwork demonstrates high quality, innovative work with high artistic merit and the potential to value-add to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and engage with its users.

3. Place

The artist’s previous artwork offers relevance, appropriateness and responsiveness to place.

IF YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL

 Artists shortlisted to develop an Artwork Concept for the artwork opportunities will:

• be provided an Artwork Commission Brief and Concept Design Agreement
• receive a Concept Design Fee
• be supported through the Concept Development Stage

For more information contact Council’s Arts and Culture Manager via mail@somerset.qld.gov.au or (07) 5424 4000.