Expression of Interest – Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education – Curtain Design

Opportunity for Tasmanian Aboriginal Artists and Designers

EOI – Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education – Curtain Design

Background

The Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education would like to commission a Palawa artist or designer to create a design that can be transferred onto curtains at Riawunna, Inveresk Campus.

The Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education is a place to come for assistance on academic, social, and cultural learnings, to ensure a positive student experience at the University of Tasmania. The Riawunna team, work within a cultural framework and aspire to create positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through educational experiences, supported through shared celebrations, culture and Community.

Visit Riawunna for further information about how the Centre supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and the community.

Applications open: Wednesday 16 July 2025

Applications close: Tuesday 12 August 2025

Final design due: Wednesday 15 October 2025

  1. Submissions  are sought from Tasmanian Aboriginal artists and designers for a design that can be transferred onto a sheer fabric curtain. The curtain forms a divide between the teaching and community areas within Riawunna, Inveresk. The design should consider the rich cultural heritage of the surrounding environment.
  2. Artists are asked to submit a short description of the themes or concept for the design they would like to develop for this commission opportunity, along with up to three examples of previous artworks. Please note we do not require detailed designs at this stage, please attach examples of previous artwork only. You could also include your design portfolio, website link or resume if you have them.
  3. A selection panel will short-list two artists who will receive $750 each to develop a design proposal.
  4. Upon reviewing the proposals, one artist will be selected to deliver the final design.
  • Curtain dimensions:
    • 11900 mm W x 3340mm H
  • Design  to be delivered in high DPI resolution or vector file (AI, ESP or SVG) 
    (If required, artist will need to engage a graphic artist to convert to suitable file) 
  • The design should reflect Tasmanian Aboriginal culture and heritage, highlighting the environment within which the University campus is positioned.
  • The artist or designer should consider working with the colour palette of the building to ensure the design and colours are complementary and work in harmony.
  • The design should be developed with consideration of appropriate cultural protocols.
  • The selected artist will be paid a $10,000  artist fee to deliver the final design

The artist will be selected based on the strength and relevance of past portfolio work submitted in their application, as well as, how their short description and themes fit the brief.

The shortlisted artwork submissions will then be assessed against the following criteria:

  1. Creative vision: a creative or innovative vision in terms of concept and method
  2. Suitability: to what extent do the artistic concept and design address the brief and opportunity, including factoring cultural appropriateness and site specificity
  3. Capability: demonstrated experience and collaborative skillsets

The selection panel for this EOI consists of Georgie Spotswood-Stebbings (Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer, Riawunna, UTAS), Dave Warrener (Head of Service, Riawunna, UTAS) and Cindy Thomas (Indigenous Collections Coordinator and Curator, Cultural Collections, UTAS).

How to apply

Applications should include

  • Name and contact details
  • The EOI you are interested in
  • Short description of the kind of art you would like to make for this commission, and the themes explored or a brief description of the concept for the design
  • Three examples of previous work
  • Design portfolio or website link (if you have one)
  • Resume (if you have one)

To submit your application, please include all information (and attachments) and email to Cultural.Collections@utas.edu.au

If you have any issues or would like assistance applying, please email Cindy.Thomas@utas.edu.au

PRINT: EOI-Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education – Curtain Design  (PDF 308KB)