Expressions of interest are now open for Journey to Footscray, a public art commission by the new Footscray Hospital that will celebrate stories of migration to Melbourne’s western suburbs.

We are encouraging artists from the migrant/diaspora communities of Melbourne’s western suburbs to apply. Artists can apply in any language – with applications to be submitted by 1 September 2023.

As the official arts partner for the new Footscray Hospital, Footscray Community Arts will be curating integrated public art for the hospital.

One artist will be commissioned to activate eight recessed panels of varying sizes, across two precast locations in the new Footscray Hospital. The work may be further reimagined by connecting glazing decals.

Located at the hospital’s main entrance, this commission will welcome visitors by facilitating a sense of arrival in place by connecting them with the historical and social narrative that underpins migration.

The new Footscray Hospital will be in Maribyrnong, the second most culturally diverse population in Victoria. 40% of residents were born outside of Australia, creating a diverse community encompassing over 135 countries and 80 languages.

Deeply grounded in place, Journey to Footscray will represent shared community experiences of departure, arrival, transition, and home.

If you are an artist that is culturally and/or linguistically diverse with lived or familial experiences of arriving in Melbourne’s western suburbs – apply today!

The new Footscray Hospital, on the corner of Ballarat and Geelong Roads, is set to open in 2025. It is being delivered by the Plenary Health consortium, in partnership with the Victorian Health Building Authority and Western Health.

Journey to Footscray is one of a range of public art opportunities that will include a tapestry, sound art, digital installations, and works on paper. Together, the artworks will celebrate the rich history of Melbourne’s western suburbs and the unique power of place.

A detailed artist brief will be provided to shortlisted applicants.

For more information or inquiries about this announcement, please feel free to contact Producer Lucy Buxton at lucy@footscrayarts.com. If you encounter any difficulties while submitting your application, don’t hesitate to apply via email.