Council invites Expressions of Interest from First Nations emerging artists aged 25 years or younger to create or submit an original artwork for use as part of Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This opportunity is intended to support a young artist who may not have previously published work and who is interested in contributing to Council’s reconciliation journey through visual storytelling.

The finished artwork will be displayed in Council offices and may be digitised for use in the RAP document and related Council materials. The artwork must represent storylines that are meaningful to Country across the Swan Hill municipality and should reflect connection to Country, culture, community and reconciliation.

Council values listening, relationship-building and respectful collaborative practice. This EOI will be guided by the principles of spirit and integrity, cultural continuity, equity and respect. The process will also recognise the importance of protecting cultural knowledge, acknowledging the artist and story behind the work, and ensuring use of the artwork is discussed and agreed in writing.

• Open to First Nations emerging artists aged 25 years or younger with a connection to the Swan Hill municipality
• The artwork may be a new work or an existing work that can be adapted for Council’s RAP.
• The selected artist will receive a payment of $2,500 for the artwork.
• The successful artist will work with Council to confirm the final artwork, story, acknowledgement and intended use.
• The final artwork must be suitable for display in Council offices and for reproduction in digital and print RAP materials.

• Artist name, age and contact details.
• A short artist statement, including connection to Country, culture or community.
• A brief description of the proposed artwork or submitted artwork and the story it represents.
• Examples of previous creative work, if available. Previous published work is not required.
• Confirmation that the artist can meet the project timeframe.

• Connection and relevance to Country across the Swan Hill municipality (Lake Boga to Robinvale and surrounds).
• Strength of storytelling and cultural meaning.
• Alignment with reconciliation, respect and community connection.
• Suitability of the artwork for display and use in RAP materials.
• Ability to complete the artwork within the agreed timeframe.