Women and Babies Hospital
healing garden and Nature Play

Intent of the artwork

The landscaping surrounding the existing retention basin on site offers opportunities for integrated landscape artworks and small-scale sculptures that respond to the nature of the space as a ‘healing garden’ and the nearby nature play space.

Artworks may be integrated into the hardscape ground plane, with potential for playful small-scale sculptural works representing local fauna, fauna and other artefacts of cultural significance.

These artworks are intended to create moments of surprise and delight for visitors spending time in these locations. The artworks will also provide educational opportunities to interpret Aboriginal medicinal uses of local species, Noongar six seasons, and deep time narratives.

The artworks will create moments of reflection and contemplation for users of this outdoor space. This commission may extend to similar works in the Rooftop Sanctuary space.

Cultural Content

Artworks in this location may reference the use of plants in traditional healing practices.

The artworks in these locations are not restricted to Whadjuk Noongar artists only, however any artists who engage with the cultural themes detailed above must have cultural authority to do so.

Scope

The artist’s scope includes the design, fabrication and installation of any sculptural components. The artist will work closely with the landscape architecture team on the placement of these artworks. Artists working in small scale three-dimensional practices are encouraged to apply for these works – including ceramicists, weavers and artists working with timber carving.

For design only components (integrated ground plane and wall treatments), artists will be required to submit a digital file and written specifications only. The design only components are well suited to illustrators, writers/poets, graphic artists, as well as public artists.

The artist/s will be required to work closely with the architectural design team on these commissions, to ensure the proposal complements the design, complies to Australian codes and standards, and is within budget (budget to be provided in next stage of procurement process).