Opportunities open for application
WSI is committed to showcasing the modern diversity of Western Sydney through the integration of art, placemaking and culturally inclusive design throughout the precinct. The program will proudly champion local artists whilst also including artists from across Australia to create a national dialogue.
WSI is seeking expressions of interest from artists/artist-led teams for the creation of two major permanent artworks of national significance that will inspire, excite and capture the imaginations of the millions of domestic and international travellers that will pass through the terminal from day one.
- Arrivals & Departures (Terminal & Verandah)
- Gathering Place & Terminal Forecourt – First Nations identified opportunity
High level descriptions of each opportunity are outlined below.
- Arrivals & Departures (Terminal & Verandah)
Relationship to the WSI Art & Place Framework
WSI is a launchpad for transformative and life-affirming journeys. The artwork will speak to global citizenship and the cultural diversity of modern Australia. It celebrates the spirit of intrepid travel while connecting us with the whimsy and magic of science and innovation – the interconnectedness of all things.
Location Context
Situated across the airport’s interior triple height space and exterior paved area termed the Verandah this artwork opportunity is located in a high impact location that will have visibility from surrounding areas within the terminal as well as from the forecourt and approaching pathways. The scope of the opportunity includes both the interior and exterior footprints of the arrivals and departures areas. Flights will operate from the airport 24/7 and the artwork should consider its presence across day and night.
Customer journey
Travelling or visiting airports can be exciting for many, while for others the experience can create anxiety, uncertainty and nervousness. This artwork opportunity sits within a liminal space both physically and emotionally, speaking to transition and transformation. Artworks should respond to the specific point in the visitor experience and consider the unique state of mind people are in as they prepare to travel, greet/farewell a loved one or are experiencing WSI, Australia or travel for the first time.
Artwork typologies can include:
- New media and interactive artworks
- Static or kinetic suspended works
- Medium to large scale sculptural artworks or a collection of artwork elements
- Lighting/illuminated components
- Architectual surface treatments
Artwork can be:
- Suspended from the ceiling
- Applied to the glass
- Installed on the floor
The WSI Art & Place Framework and full artwork brief detailing selection process and project budget are available upon registration
- Gathering Place & Terminal Forecourt – First Nations identified opportunity
Relationship to the WSI Art & Place Framework
Creating a gateway to Country. We proudly recognise and celebrate the diversity, strength and resilience of Australian First Nations cultures. As an airport, the national significance of WSI shines a spotlight on WSI’s home, Dharug Country, and invites connection to wider stories of Songlines, waterways and Sky Country that have been used to traverse this land since time immemorial.
Location Context
Surrounded by vegetation representative of the Cumberland Plain and Western Sydney region, the Gathering Place is a cluster of three intimate green spaces situated at the main entrance to the airport on the southern side of the terminal. This location visually connects with a larger landscaped area termed the Terminal Forecourt which leads to the car park through the arrivals and departures loops and Sydney Metro Terminal Station. Artists are invited to consider the green space across the full expanse of both. Flights will operate from the airport 24/7 and the artwork should consider its presence across day and night.
Customer journey
Travelling or visiting airports can be exciting for many, while for others the experience can create anxiety, uncertainty and nervousness. This artwork opportunity sits within a liminal space both physically and emotionally, speaking to transition and transformation. Artworks should respond to the specific point in the visitor experience and consider the unique state of mind people are in as they prepare to travel, greet/farewell a loved one or are experiencing WSI, Australia or travel for the first time.
Artwork typologies can include:
- Medium to large scale sculptural artworks or a collection of artwork elements
- Kinetics/interactive artworks
- Lighting/illuminated components
- Architectural surface treatments
The WSI Art & Place Framework and full artwork brief detailing selection process and project budget are available upon registration.
Artists may apply to one or more of these opportunities. Artists wanting to apply for more than one commission MUST submit separate applications for each opportunity they are interested in.
Artists must register via Workday Strategic Sourcing (WSS) to view EOI documentation and to respond to these opportunities.
Submissions must be made in full by 15:00 AEDT Wednesday 27 November 2024 to be eligible for these projects.
Please contact procurement@wsaco.com.au should you require support registering to WSS.
Key Dates
- EOI opens - 30 October 2024
- EOI closes - 27 November 2024
- Shortlist artists notified - December 2024
- RFP (Stage 2) - January - March 2025
- Contract awarded & project commence - April 2025
- Project completion - Mid 2026
Future Opportunities
To be notified of future opportunities for artists please email artandplace@wsaco.com.au with "Art Opportunities" in the subject line to be added to a distribution list.
