Expression of Interest PREVIEW & FAQs
The expression of interest form, found following the link below, will ask you for the following information. You are encouraged to prepare this information prior to commencing the next step.
Artist name or team name.
Contact information.
Your level of experience (multiple choice question).
Your language group (if any).
Your ABN (if you have one).
Your website or Instagram (optional, this will not form part of the assessment).
The types of medium you currently use (multiple choice question).
Which opportunities interest you most (multiple choice question).
A statement reflecting your connection to either site (WBH or OPH) and/or to Western Australia. This statement can be written (maximum of 250 words) or uploaded as a video or audio recording (maximum of 2 minutes).
A statement reflecting your approach to the opportunity. This statement can be written (maximum 250 words) or uploaded as a video or audio recording (maximum of 2 minutes).
A CV to be submitted as a single PDF (maximum 2xA4 pages, single page layout).
Examples of past work to be submitted as a single PDF (maximum 10xA4 pages, single page layout).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the architects?
The architects for the project are Hames Sharley and Architectus.
When will the artworks be installed?
Artwork installation is anticipated in 2028 and 2029. More specific timelines will be provided to shortlisted artists as the design progresses.
Who can apply for the EOI?
The EOI is open to all artists. Artists of all levels of experience - from early career through to established practitioners are strongly encouraged to apply. This includes:
Painters, illustrators, printmakers, photographers
Sculptors and traditional public artists
Furniture makers and craftspeople
Graphic and digital artists
Sound, lighting, and audio-based artists
Community groups and arts organisations
Is the EOI open to artists from outside Western Australia?
Yes, the EOI is open to artists living anywhere in Australia (and beyond). However, the assessment criteria will preference artists who can demonstrate a connection to site. Out-of-state or interstate artists are encouraged to apply and to think carefully about how they would articulate their connection to the sites or the nature of the hospitals.
Are there any opportunities specifically for Aboriginal artists?
Yes. Several artwork opportunities are intended for Whadjuk Noongar or Aboriginal artists only, including the Meeting Place artwork in the Healing Garden. Please review each artwork brief carefully to identify these opportunities. Aboriginal and Noongar artists of all levels of experience are warmly encouraged to apply.
Is there a preference for women artists?
While the project does not preference women or female-identifying artists as a criterion, the connection to site criteria is relevant here. Artists who have lived experience relating to childbirth, maternity, or the nature of these hospital environments are encouraged to reflect that in their connection to site statement.
Can I apply as both an individual and as part of a team?
Yes. You are welcome to submit an EOI as an individual and also as part of an artist team. These are treated as separate submissions.
Can artist teams include non-artists such as project managers or producers?
Yes, there are no restrictions on who can be part of an artist team. However, the EOI must identify who the artists are within the team. Applications from project managers or art consultants that do not name the specific artists involved will not be accepted.
Can community groups or organisations apply?
Yes. Community groups and representative organisations are welcome to apply and will find a relevant option in the EOI form when filling in their details.
What are "design only" commissions?
Several opportunities are design only commissions, where the artist provides a digital file and the fabrication and installation are carried out by others (the head contractor, WA Life). These are well suited to early career artists, graphic artists, and practitioners who may not have experience in large-scale fabrication or installation.
Are there opportunities for muralists?
Yes. If you work in murals, it is recommended you apply for the fine art commissions and/or integrated art commissions, and describe your mural practice and approach in your statement. A painted wall treatment may be considered within the scope of those opportunities.
Are there interior spaces that could accommodate freestanding sculpture?
Potentially, particularly in the main lobby of the Women and Babies Hospital. However, sight lines and pedestrian flow are important considerations in those spaces. Suspended artworks and furniture-based sculptural pieces may be more suitable - please consider these options when thinking about your approach.
How long does the EOI form take to complete?
If you have your information prepared in advance, the form should take no longer than 7–10 minutes to complete. It is strongly recommended that you prepare your statements, CV, and portfolio PDF before starting the form.
Is this session being recorded?
Yes. The recording of this briefing session, along with these FAQs, will be published on the EOI website following the session.
Are concept designs required at the EOI stage?
No. The EOI is not a concept design submission. You are not expected to provide designs, sketches, or proposals. The statements are intended to help the panel understand your connection to site and your general approach or relevant practice.
How many artwork opportunities can I nominate interest in?
As many as you like. You may nominate all opportunities or just a few. Note that the panel may also contact you about opportunities you have not specifically nominated if they feel your practice is well suited.
Does my website or Instagram affect my assessment?
No. Providing a website or Instagram is optional and does not form part of the assessment.
Is there a file size limit for the portfolio PDF?
There is a file size limit of 15MB.
Can videos be embedded in the portfolio PDF? Y
es, if your work has a digital or moving image component, embedding a video link or file in your is supported.
What are the assessment criteria?
EOIs are assessed on:
Quality of previous works — as demonstrated by your submitted portfolio
Capacity — your ability to deliver high-quality works, as evidenced by your portfolio and experience
Relevance and connection to site
Approach to opportunity
Who assesses the EOIs?
A selection panel, which includes cultural advisors and traditional knowledge holders, undertakes the shortlisting process.
How many artists are shortlisted per opportunity?
Between one and five or six artists may be shortlisted per opportunity, depending on the nature of the work and the applications received.
What happens after shortlisting?
Shortlisted artists will be provided with:
A detailed artist brief for their specific opportunity
The allocated budget for that commission
A briefing from the project team
For works with specific cultural content, a briefing from traditional knowledge holders
Artists then have approximately four to six weeks to develop a concept design proposal. Proposals are presented to the selection panel and reviewed by the Cultural Advisory Group before a preferred artist is selected.
Will shortlisted artists be paid for their concept design proposals?
Yes. Concept design fees will be paid to shortlisted artists in line with NAVA standards, commensurate with the requirements of their proposal. More detailed proposals (e.g. those requiring fabrication budgets and installation methodologies) will attract higher concept design fees than simpler design-only commissions.
Are budgets available?
Budgets for individual commissions have not yet been finalised and will not be publicly released at the EOI stage. Budgets will be provided to shortlisted artists only, as part of their detailed artist brief. Shortlisted artists who are not comfortable with the allocated budget may withdraw from the process at that stage.
If I am based interstate or overseas, can I work with local WA fabricators?
Yes. The project team maintains a list of WA-based fabricators and can assist shortlisted artists with those connections, particularly to reduce transportation costs and support local industry.
Is support available for early career artists in delivering their work?
Yes. The project team and its consultants will provide support to artists, particularly early career artists, throughout the development and delivery process. Where an artist shows strong potential but requires additional support, the team may facilitate connections with producers or other professionals as appropriate. Artists with specific questions about this are encouraged to contact the project team directly.
