City of Darwin is inviting Darwin artists to contribute their work to the new Civic Centre through its Integrated Art and Design program, providing an exciting opportunity to showcase local creativity within the landmark development.
Expressions of interest to participate in creative development workshops are now open for Darwin-based artists, from emerging to experienced, closing on Thursday 19 March.
Endorsed by Council in June 2025, the program embeds creativity into the Civic Centre's interior and surrounding spaces, ensuring local artistic voices form part of the building's identity.
Following a competitive tender process, City of Darwin appointed GARUWA in December 2025 to lead the creative development phase of this program. GARUWA is a First Nations-owned organisation with a strong focus on knowledge, storytelling and collaboration, and previously partnered with City of Darwin on mirragma gunungurr-wa; a public art commission by Larrakia artists Roque and Trent Lee in Bicentennial Park.
Up to 20 artists will be shortlisted to participate in creative development workshops in April 2026. Working alongside GARUWA and design consultants, participants will develop concept proposals for integrated artworks for key areas of the new Civic Centre.
Concepts will be assessed by a Public Art Peer Assessment Panel, with four artists progressing to a development phase to refine their designs. Final works will be licensed and incorporated into the building's interior spaces.
Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the program ensures creativity is considered from the outset.
"This program ensures art is not simply added to the Civic Centre but built into it. Integrated art and design mean creativity becomes part of the building itself, shaping how people move through and experience spaces like the new library, customer service areas and gathering places.
"As a contemporary civic and cultural hub, the Civic Centre will bring together community, culture and connection, reflecting Darwin's identity and creative spirit," Mr Styles said.
Construction of the Civic Centre commenced in 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2028. The development will also transform the surrounding area into a welcoming precinct, featuring a cool, green community plaza linking the building with Civic Park, the city centre and Darwin Waterfront.
