Public Art Master Plan

The Role of Public Art in the City

As outlined in the City’s Art in Public Places Ordinance, public art has the power to energize our public spaces, arouse our thinking, and transform the places where we live, work, and play into more welcoming and beautiful environments that invite interaction. By its presence alone, public art can heighten our awareness, question our assumptions, transform a landscape, or express community values, and for these reasons it can have the power, over time, to transform a city's image. Public art helps define a community's identity and reveal its unique character.

Process Overview

On June 1, 2023, the City Council provided direction to staff to proceed with a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit prospective firms for the purpose of establishing a Public Art Master Plan. The master plan will provide long-term direction to the Public Art Advisory Committee and the City Council on the planning and processes necessary to further develop, administer and maintain a dynamic public art program in the City of Brisbane. Future opportunities for art are anticipated in areas such as the Crocker Trail, Sierra Point, and the Baylands. 

Staff published the RFP in June, 2023 and five (5) responsive proposals were received within the deadline. Short-listed firms were interviewed by the Public Art Advisory Committee who subsequently recommended to City Council that the contract be awarded to NINE dot ARTS, a national art consulting and creative placemaking firm. In November 2023, the City entered into an agreement with NINE dot ARTS for the purpose of developing the City's first ever Public Art Master Plan.  

NINE dot ARTS will be responsible for developing policies and procedures, prioritizing City needs related to public art, and identifying types and locations of art throughout the City in order to establish a clear future for public art in the City of Brisbane. They will work collaboratively with the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee and City Staff to ensure broad public outreach and involvement to curate a vision for Brisbane’s public art.  The master plan for public art in Brisbane will include the integration of art in both existing and to be built public spaces.  

How to Participate

There will be several opportunities in 2024 for the public to participate in the process and to share their vision for Brisbane's public art, including online surveys and community open houses. We will provide project updates on this page as they become available. Please stay tuned and share this opportunity with your network!