2025 has been a year of strategic planning for public art, laying the groundwork for new opportunities in 2026 and beyond.
SEQ City Deal
Our team focused strongly on the SEQ City Deal Public Art Initiative, building new collaborations with cultural partners, artists and communities across South East Queensland. Through extensive field trips along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail in Somerset, immersion in the remarkable natural landscape of the future Redlands Coast Eco Precinct, and engagement with urban centres across Logan, we worked closely with highly committed Local Government colleagues on the planning and curatorial stages of submissions.
The initiative represents a $10 million investment by the Australian Government in public art across eligible SEQ local governments, with projects set to roll out from 2026.
Providence Stockland
We were also proud to work with Stockland this year on the planning and curation of public art opportunities for the growing Providence community. An Expression of Interest for artists is currently open, closing 12 January 2026.
Cross River Rail Station Art
It has also been exciting to see public artworks by our artists come to life across the Cross River Rail project. In 2025, John Stafford joined the CRR team and artist Teho Ropeyarn to oversee the installation of the first glass panels of Ataga Ulumu at an epic scale within Boggo Road Station.
Rochedale Bus Station
During 2025 we worked closely with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, through design consultant GHD, to commission artworks for the new Rochedale Bus Station and Park’n’Ride. The resulting artworks titled On Country were created by Nathaniel Chapman, a proud Geonpul and Yagara man from Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Magandjin (Brisbane) with ancestral ties to the Wambia clans of Northern Territory.
On Country is a series of hand-painted murals that explore the connection between people and nature, brought to life by colours that reflect Magandjin’s diverse natural landscape, transitioning from dense rainforests to rural country sides.
The deep connection between Aboriginal people and their environment is also represented through three native animals from the Rochedale area – the Ringtail Possum ‘Capala’, Goanna ‘Gi’wer’ and Carpet Snake ‘Cabul’. These animals are not only food sources but also hold significant cultural stories, spiritual meanings and traditions. They serve as a reminder to modern society of the profound respect and knowledge that First Nation peoples have for their land and its inhabitants, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation and the preservation of cultural heritage. Nathaniel Chapman acknowledges Gaja Kerry Charlton for her support and Yagara language expertise.
City of Moreton Bay Outdoor Gallery
It has been a pleasure to support our artists to work with the City of Moreton Bay’s Cultural Activation Team and Blue Sky View on their Outdoor Gallery Project. As part of this project, four of our artists – Darren Blackman, Tamika Grant-Iramu, Zoe Porter and Prita Tina Yeganeh – will be facilitating workshops over January/February 2026. City of Moreton Bay states that, “These free sessions are an opportunity to meet the artists and share stories. You’ll also discuss what makes different parts of Moreton Bay special. Workshops will occur across the city, inviting everyone to explore, create and connect through art.” Explore the workshops here
Image: Courtesy of Cross River Rail Delivery Authority.
