Public Art Guidelines & Strategy

Memento public art sculpture on the Byron Arts and Industrial-Estate artist Andy MacPherson

Public art is a visible and accessible way to celebrate our creative community. 

Public art and creative activations include:

  • digital, temporary or permanent artworks
  • performances, mini festivals, installations
  • workshops or creative activations that reimagine or transform public spaces.

When possible, Public Art is embedded in major public space projects and infrastructure upgrades. The community may propose a Public Art project. Public Art may also be initiated through development by provisions in the Development Control Plan.

Public Art Guidelines

We often receive offers of donations and loans of public art. Our Policy and Public Art Guidelines outline how we review these applications.

Public Art Guidelines(PDF, 347KB)

Arts and Creative Industry Advisory Committee

We have an Arts and Creative Industry Advisory Committee that:

  • Reviews public art proposals.
  • Advises Council on public art acquisitions and commissions.

This group was previously called the Public Art Panel. 

Projects commissioned by Council are usually advertised through a Call for Expression of Interest.

Public Art Strategy

The Public Art Panel developed a Public Art Strategy. This Strategy helps Council to plan and make decisions about Public Art we commission or acquire. 

Download the Public Art Strategy(PDF, 8MB)

Public Art and Development

Chapter B15 of the Byron Shire Development Control Plan 2014 outlines the provision for Public Art in private development. 

It provides information about the:

  • Type of development.
  • Process for including public art in a new development.
  • Submitting a Public Art Plan in a Development Application. 

For more information about the Public Art Chapter see Development Control Plan 2014

Creative Public Spaces Small Grants

Up to $5,000 is available for temporary art projects in Byron Shire. Visit the Creative Public Spaces Small Grants webpage to learn more.