Media releases

Inviting artists to reawaken Sydney’s laneways

Published 2 November 2020

Temperance Lane

Artists are invited to transform Sydney’s inner-city laneways with new public artworks.

The City of Sydney is seeking creative thinkers and artists with an interest in sustainability, communities and urbanism to light up underused city spaces in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the project would reawaken the city by encouraging artists to creatively transform public spaces.

“The physical distancing measures required to save lives and prevent another devastating outbreak of Covid-19 continue to have a huge impact on businesses and communities,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Together with the NSW Government, we are working to reactivate our city and create an outdoor cultural experience this summer and beyond.

“Alongside al fresco dining, live music and performance on outdoor stages and inside venues, and cultural institutions open late into our warm summer evenings, we want to commission a number of public art projects to breathe new life into our city and influence how people experience the city centre.

“Sydney’s cultural sector has showcased its resilience and creativity this year, and I look forward to seeing what they come up with.”

Artists can apply for up to $50,000 each to see their ideas come to life. Up to four temporary artworks will be commissioned in the new artworks series. The creative project is part of the City of Sydney and NSW Government’s $20 million initiative to boost the city centre economy, support businesses and create jobs across the vital summer period.

Concepts can include:

  • installations
  • environmental art
  • plant based projects
  • soundscapes
  • augmented/mixed reality
  • projected visuals
  • timed based media art
  • socially engaged practices.

Applications for the City Art laneways project close on Monday 16 November. Apply now.

For media inquiries or images, contact James Gorman. Phone 0448 005 718 or email jgorman@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Julia Lenton. Phone 0410 748 039 or email jlenton@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au