EXCITING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR SHELLHARBOUR ARTISTS

Shellharbour City Council is calling on local creatives to step forward with Expressions of Interest now open for a range of exciting arts opportunities; headlined by a pair of new major public sculpture commissions set for Lake Illawarra and Barrack Point.

The Public Art EOI seeks artists, collectives, and public art consultants to develop contemporary, interactive artworks that will enhance the existing Shellharbour Art Trail and encourage play, discovery and community connection at each location.

The new artworks are also intended to reflect local stories, culture and the natural environments of Lake Illawarra and Barrack Point.

“Shellharbour has a proud and growing arts culture, and these new public artworks will be another exciting step in celebrating the stories, landscapes and spirit that make our city unique,” Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said.

Caption: Expressions of Interest now open for a range of exciting arts opportunities. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.

Applications close at 5pm, Tuesday 26 May 2026. Head to Council’s Opportunity for Artists webpage to apply.

Council’s commitment to fostering creativity extends beyond this opportunity, with EOIs also open for two popular ongoing programs: 
 
Art in Unexpected Places

Local artists are invited to reimagine public space through Art in Unexpected Places, which commissions creative, uplifting designs for Shellharbour’s bus shelters and Shellharbour Airport terminal.

These highly visible public art placements offer artists the chance to transform everyday commuter and traveller experiences through colour, pattern, illustration or storytelling. Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply.

For more information and to apply, visit Council’s Art in Unexpected Places webpage.

Artist in Residence

Applications are also open for the Artist in Residence, a supported studio program designed to help artists develop new work, test ideas, or expand their creative practice.

The residency provides free access to a dedicated studio space, professional support, and opportunities to connect with Shellharbour’s arts community.

Artists from all disciplines are welcome to apply, for more information visit Council’s Artist in Residence webpage.

KEY MESSAGES: 

• Shellharbour City Council has opened Expressions of Interest for major new public art commissions at Lake Illawarra and Barrack Point, offering two opportunities for creatives to shape the city’s growing Art Trail. 

• Artists, collectives and public art consultants are invited to propose contemporary, interactive works that celebrate Shellharbour’s stories, culture and natural landscapes while fostering play, discovery and community connection. 

• Council is further supporting local creativity with EOIs now open for the Art in Unexpected Places program and the Artist in Residence, encouraging artists from all disciplines to bring fresh ideas to public spaces and develop new work.