Melbourne Civic Commission

Melbourne Fringe, in partnership with the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, is thrilled to announce a new annual commission of $100K, offered to a Victorian artist or collective to create a major public artwork for the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Each year (starting in 2022) one huge, ground-breaking artwork idea will be commissioned, providing a signature piece that invigorates the city streets and blows the minds of Melburnians.

The Melbourne Civic Commission must respond to three provocations: participation, place, and design. Beyond that, the only limit is your imagination! The work could run for one day, one minute, or the whole length of the Festival. In any case, it needs to be bold and impactful. It’s really gotta say something. 

Who is it for?

The commission is open to Victorian independent artists, small companies or collectives. It’s a huge undertaking, one of exciting ambition and scale, so is best suited to mid-career or established artists with experience in creating complex public work. We invite creative thinkers of all disciplines – installation, live art, performance, visual art, music, architecture, design, moving image, digital media… or something completely new, yet-to-be-dreamed-of.  

Applications from First Nations artists, culturally and linguistically diverse artists, and artists who identify as Deaf or disabled are especially welcome.  

The first commission will be premiered during 6 – 23 October 2022 as a signature work for the Melbourne Fringe Festival. The following commissions, each of $100K, will be presented as signature works for the 2023 and 2024 Festivals.

Key Dates

11:59pm Sunday 5 September: Applications close 

Friday 12 November: Stage 2 Artist Discussions held. 

Friday 26 November: Public announcement of the inaugural Melbourne Civic Commission award.

6 – 23 October 2022: Premiere of inaugural commission as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival 2022. 

The next two commissions to be presented in 2023 and 2024 during the Melbourne Fringe Festival. The call-out for the 2023 commission will be in early 2022.

Download Info Pack here