If you’re a sculptor in Australia, public art commissions represent one of the most significant opportunities available. They’re also one of the most opaque processes to navigate. Having completed several commissions for stone sculpture in Melbourne and regional Victoria, I want to share how the system works.

The Per Cent for Art Framework

Most public art in Australian cities is funded through what are commonly called “per cent for art” policies. These require that a percentage of the total construction budget for new developments or infrastructure projects be allocated to public art.

The percentage varies by jurisdiction. The City of Melbourne’s current policy suggests 1 per cent of total project costs for developments valued over $2 million. The City of Sydney has a similar framework. Some state governments apply per cent for art policies to major infrastructure projects — new hospitals, transport hubs, and government buildings.

Not all councils have formal policies, and the ones that do vary in how strictly they enforce them. But the general trend over the past two decades has been toward more public art investment, not less.

Types of Commissions

Public art commissions in Australia generally fall into a few categories:

Open call competitions are advertised publicly, and any artist can submit an expression of interest or concept proposal. These are the most accessible entry point for artists who haven’t done public work before. They’re typically advertised on council websites, ArtsHub, and through state art organisations.

Limited invitations involve a commissioning body inviting a shortlist of three to six artists to develop concept proposals. Shortlisted artists are generally paid a fee for their proposal work. This model is more common for larger projects.

Direct commissions go to a specific artist based on an existing relationship or a body of work that suits the project. These are less common and tend to involve established artists.

The Application Process

For an open call, you’ll typically need to submit:

• A current CV and artist statement
• Documentation of previous work (images, descriptions, dimensions, materials)
• A preliminary concept for the specific site and brief
• A rough budget estimate
• Evidence of public liability insurance (or willingness to obtain it)

If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be asked to develop a more detailed proposal including maquettes (scale models), detailed drawings, material specifications, engineering assessments, installation plans, and a comprehensive budget.

Selection panels typically comprise council art officers, architects, community representatives, and sometimes independent curators. They assess proposals against criteria including artistic merit, site responsiveness, durability, maintenance requirements, and budget feasibility.

What the Budget Covers

Public art budgets in Australia range from around $20,000 for smaller council works to $500,000 or more for major commissions. A typical mid-range commission for a stone sculpture might be $60,000 to $150,000.

That budget needs to cover everything: artist fees, materials, fabrication, engineering, transport, installation, foundation and site preparation, project management, documentation, and often a maintenance plan for the first five to ten years.

Many artists underestimate costs on their first commission. Stone is heavy, and installing heavy objects in public spaces involves cranes, traffic management plans, and council permits. These logistics can eat a significant portion of the budget.

My advice: build in a contingency of at least 15 per cent. It’s far better to deliver a well-executed, slightly simpler work than to run over budget on an ambitious one.

Working with Councils and Developers

The relationship with your commissioning body is crucial. Council art officers are passionate advocates, but they work within bureaucratic systems. Be prepared for:

• Longer timelines than you expect (12 to 24 months from commission to installation is normal)
• Design review processes that may require modifications to your concept
• Community consultation that might generate feedback you need to respond to
• Administrative requirements around invoicing, progress reports, and compliance documentation

Communication is everything. Regular updates and honest conversation about challenges will build trust.

Why Stone Works Well for Public Art

Stone is an excellent material for public art. The reasons are practical as much as aesthetic:

• Durability: granite and hard sandstone last centuries with minimal maintenance
• Low vandalism risk: stone is difficult to damage compared to other materials
• Minimal maintenance: no repainting, no corrosion treatment, no moving parts
• Environmental credentials: natural, non-toxic, and recyclable
• Cultural weight: stone sculpture carries associations of permanence and significance

The main challenge is weight. A stone sculpture for a public plaza might weigh several tonnes, requiring engineered footings and careful structural assessment of the site. This is where your budget contingency comes in.

Getting Started

If you’re a sculptor interested in public commissions, start by:

1. Building a strong portfolio of smaller works
2. Registering for public art opportunity alerts through your local council and state arts body
3. Attending openings and networking events to meet council art officers
4. Taking smaller commissions (memorial plaques, garden features) to build your track record
5. Talking to other artists who’ve done public commissions — most are generous with their experience

Public art is rewarding work. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a piece that becomes part of a community’s daily landscape, something people walk past, sit beside, and gradually absorb into their sense of place. For a stone sculptor, there’s no better context for the material’s qualities of permanence and presence.