We are developing our first Public Art Policy to help us increase public art around Merri-bek.

When consulting for the 2023-2030 Arts and Culture Strategy we heard from our community that they would like to see more public art in Merri-bek. The creation of this policy was then included in the Strategy and Council Action Plan.

A Public Art Policy will allow us to allocate resources and inform a process for commissioning, acquiring, maintaining and decommissioning artworks for the Merri-bek public art collection.

What is public art?

Public art is artwork that is created for and installed in a place where the public can access or view it. It is often located outdoors but can also be installed indoors in public areas like a Council owned building or service.

Public art can take many forms, for example sculptures, murals, screen-based or sound-based artwork. It can be permanent (like a sculpture in a park) or temporary (like a mural or outdoor projection).

Some of the benefits of increasing public art are:

  • Beautifying our neighbourhoods
  • Sharing stories and cultures and reflecting our communities through artwork
  • Encouraging conversations and healthy debate
  • Improving our buildings and parks

Examples of public art in Merri-bek

Systems of Sustainability #2, 2022, by Kent Morris Bulleke-Bek Park, Brunswick
A mural on a wall adjacent to a park. The mural depicts 2 magpies on a background of brightly coloured, geometric patterns.
Terra Pneumatics, 2022, by Isadora Vaughan Glenroy Hub
3 children are climbing and playing on an outdoor scultural work. The scultpure is made of a light coloured stone that is shaped into cylanders, seats and other geometric shapes. It is placed on the grass and has a look of lightness despite the heavy materials.
Zero Carbon Merri-Bek, 2023, by Hayden Dewar Cnr Rennie & Sydney Rds, Coburg
A mural on the outside wall of a 1 storey building. the artwork depicts small pixie-like people sitting among different Australian animals and plants. There is an old car with tree roots growing out of it. The colours are like a sunset.

Join the conversation

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  1. Find the rust-coloured "LOG IN/JOIN" button at the top of the page and click it to start registering.
  2. Select "LOG IN" if you already have a profile on Conversations Merri-bek OR select "SIGN UP" to create a new profile.
  3. To create your profile you will need to add: Screen name, email address, password, full name and postcode. Check the boxes that apply and click "CREATE ACCOUNT".
  4. You can now continue with your submission

Merri-bek is a diverse community and we want our community engagement to reflect that. By signing up and telling us how you identify you are helping us understand who we are hearing from.

This information helps us to meet our legislative obligations and improve our processes. We want our decisions to benefit as many of the diverse people living, working and playing in Merri-bek as possible.

Your information will not be used for any other purpose.

Other ways to make a submission

If you prefer not to use the online form you can make a submission in these ways:

  • In person
    Merri-bek Civic Centre at 90 Bell Street Coburg

Submissions should be clearly marked ‘Draft Public Art Policy’ and must be received by 5 December 2025.