North Sydney Council is inviting artists, creative practitioners and studios to help shape two major cultural moments in 2026, with Expressions of Interest now open for landmark community art projects linked to the festive summer season and Pride Picnic 2026.
The two opportunities - Community Creative Christmas and Pride Picnic - reflect Council's ongoing commitment to creative placemaking, inclusion and community-led cultural expression.
The Community Creative Christmas commission will see a Lead Artist or creative team design and deliver a series of temporary public artworks across key village hubs, transforming public spaces into playful, festive and welcoming environments throughout the 2026/27 summer season. With a strong focus on sustainability and participation, the project will invite community members of all ages and backgrounds to contribute to the creative process.
The Pride Picnic EOI invites an artist to develop a large-scale creative work or community engagement project for Pride Picnic 2026 in Ted Mack Civic Park, inspired by the Mapping Queer North Sydney Project and celebrating the stories, diversity and creativity of the local LGBTQIA+ community.
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker said the projects demonstrate Council's commitment to inclusive, community-centred creativity.
"These projects are about more than public art - they're about connection, belonging and shared experiences."
"We want creatives to help us create spaces where people feel joy, pride and a sense of ownership over their community. Whether it's through festive summer installations or celebrating the richness of our LGBTQIA+ community at Pride Picnic, these projects invite creativity to lead connection."
Council is encouraging applications from individual artists, collectives and creative studios, with strong encouragement for First Nations creatives, LGBTQIA+ artists and practitioners with a connection to North Sydney to apply.
