$10 million for public art across South East Queensland

Communities across South East Queensland (SEQ) are set to benefit from $10 million in Australian Government funding for public art initiatives, with applicant guidelines released today.

The investment is part of the $1.8 billion SEQ partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ), which aims to improve the accessibility, prosperity and liveability of the region – home to around four million residents.

Funding is available to eligible local governments to support artists create public art and architecture projects that enhance the liveability of the region.

Approved projects will enhance the quality of public spaces, contribute to a greater sense of community, and increase access to cultural experiences throughout the region.

Reflecting the richness of the region’s local communities, the initiative will also maximise opportunities for First Nations artists, artists with disability, and artists from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The initiative is funded by the Australian Government and delivered in collaboration with the Queensland Government and the local government members of the Council of Mayors (SEQ).

Quotes attributable to Minister for Cities, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister:

 “Investing in public art and architecture makes our cities more liveable and beautiful, while also creating places to bring our communities together.

“One in seven Australians calls South East Queensland home – a region which is vibrant, culturally rich and reflects our diversity as a nation. I can’t wait to see how that is represented in our public spaces through this program.

“We’re working closely with our state and local government partners to deliver initiatives that support local communities and provide a high quality of life.”

 Quotes attributable to Queensland State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace:

“South East Queensland’s vibrant public art scene will benefit greatly as a result of this initiative.

“The South East is already home to some of the most talented artists in the country and we want to ensure they have more opportunities to showcase their works.

“Public art can greatly enhance local communities and that’s what this is all about.”

Quotes attributable to Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:

“This announcement comes at a time when our region is growing rapidly with more Australians wanting to call South East Queensland home.

“By uniting all levels of government through the SEQ City Deal we can work together to help keep our region moving as it continues to grow.

“The world will be watching Brisbane in 2032 and public art is one of the positive legacies we can deliver today, during the Games and beyond.

“South East Queensland is already one of the best places in the world to live but public art can help make our communities more vibrant, better places to live.”

More information on the SEQ City Deal is available on the Department of State Development and Infrastructure website.

Applications will open late this year for eligible local councils, with successful projects announced in 2025.

The SEQ City Deal Public Art Initiatives applicant guidelines can be viewed here www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/infrastructure/projects-and-programs/south-east-queensland-seq-city-deal/a-more-liveable-seq.

Eligible local governments will receive a baseline funding allocation of $350,000 plus a proportional allocation based on 2020 population data as follows:

MEDIA CONTACT:

MINISTER McALLISTER – ISABELLA WANG 0403 114 350

MINISTER GRACE – MARTIN PHILIP 0407 675 008