Public Art Proposals – Wellington City Council

Wellington City Council invites artists and creative practitioners to submit proposals for public art activity across Wellington City. The Public Art Panel reviews proposals four times a year — the next round opens in June 2026 with a deadline of 9am Monday 27 July 2026, for projects commencing from early September 2026.

Public art activity in Wellington encompasses a wide range of practices, including sculpture, murals, street art, performance, installations, new-genre public art, and relational aesthetics. It also includes art integrated into urban design developments such as buildings, streets, and parks, as well as community-centred art processes in public spaces.

Proposals are assessed against the Council's Public Art Policy, which outlines eight desired outcomes:

• Fresh and innovative public art activity
• Suburban centre public art that enhances sense of place
• Expression of Māori whakapapa and history
• Representation of Wellington's diverse communities
• Greater community engagement in public art development
• Integration of art concepts into public infrastructure
• Education and communication about Wellington's public art
• Contribution to social, economic, and urban revitalisation

Your proposal should meet one or more of these outcomes. Both temporary and permanent projects are eligible, as are proposed gifts and donations.

The Council funds the research, development, commissioning, and implementation of public art activity through the Public Art Fund. It's strongly recommended that you speak with the Arts Advisor early in your process — they can advise on council-owned sites, budgeting, and your concept before you apply.

To apply, download the Public Art Activity Proposal Application from the Council's website and submit it to the City Arts team. Application forms, guidelines, and assessment criteria are all available for download on the Wellington City Council website.

Contact Pippa Sanderson, Senior Arts Advisor, for more information: pippa.sanderson@wcc.govt.nz or 021 454 039.