Request for Proposals for the 2027 Courtyard Plinth Commission

Objectspace invites proposals from craft, design and architecture practitioners for the 2027 Courtyard Plinth Commission — a site-specific installation displayed on the concrete plinth in Objectspace's courtyard in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

The successful work will be installed in March 2027 and remain on display until March 2028, giving it approximately 12 months of public visibility. The courtyard is visible from the street and carpark entrance, and sits beneath Objectspace's distinctive large-scale white façade, which provides partial shelter from the elements.

The Site

The concrete plinth measures 5,300 x 4,500mm, with 2,150mm of clearance between the plinth surface and the façade above. Works can be fixed to the plinth but cannot be attached to the white cube façade ceiling. Installations must be robust enough to withstand wind and rain, as well as incidental interaction from visitors — there are no barricades around the plinth. The courtyard also accommodates three active carparks and is used for gallery events. Strip LED lighting within the façade grid illuminates the space.

Budget

Objectspace will contribute $10,000 NZD toward the commission, with freight and installation costs covered separately.

Who Can Apply

This opportunity is open to practitioners working in craft, design and architecture. Priority will be given to emerging and mid-career practitioners. Artwork ownership remains with the artist.

Info Session

An in-person information session is taking place at 6pm on Tuesday 28 July 2026 — registration is recommended.

How to Apply

Submit a proposal of up to six A4 pages as a single PDF to info@objectspace.org.nz with 'Courtyard Proposal' in the subject line by 5pm on Monday 10 August 2026. Your proposal should include:

• Concept outline
• Practitioner biography demonstrating engagement with craft, design and/or architecture
• Working drawings or images
• Budget overview
• Links to past projects (if relevant)

Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the first week of September 2026.

The Courtyard Plinth programme is supported by the Jan Warburton Charitable Trust.