All finalist artworks in the Main Exhibition will now be required to obtain certification from a structural engineer. We acknowledge that this is a significant change and may require additional time and consideration. In response, we have decided to extend the entry deadline by two weeks to 4pm Tuesday 27 May, to provide additional time for all entrants to evaluate their submissions.
This new requirement has been introduced as part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety, stability and integrity of the artworks presented in the exhibition. Given the scale and complexity of some artworks, this step is necessary to safeguard both the artists’ works and the public.
What you need to know:
- Structural certification is required only for selected finalists exhibiting in the Main Exhibition.
- If you are selected as a finalist, you will need to engage a qualified structural engineer to certify your artwork’s design.
- The certification must be submitted for the City’s review and approval. We strongly recommend waiting to begin fabrication until you have received confirmation of approval from us.
- After fabrication is complete, you will need to submit an 'As Constructed' Certification no later than Wednesday 15 October, which is one week before the installation day.
- To assist with these costs, the City will be offering a subsidy of up to $500 to help offset the expense of engaging a structural engineer. Proof of payment will be required to access this subsidy.
- Plans for subsurface treatment (e.g., how the work is anchored or interacts with the ground) are still required as part of the entry form submission.
- There are no major changes to the entry form, except that artists will now be required to acknowledge the structural certification requirement upon entering.
- We are currently preparing a detailed information sheet outlining the certification process, subsidy instructions, and other important details, which will be made available shortly.
- An updated Terms and Conditions document has been released to reflect these changes. Please see the ‘Terms and Conditions’ tab.
We also acknowledge that this process may be unfamiliar or challenging to many artists. Please be assured that both the City and the Curator are available to support you throughout this process.
Please fill out the form below as part of the $500 subsidy payment. Please refer to the “Information Sheet for Structural Engineering Requirements” for more details once available.