Stolen Generations Keeping Places - Keller House - Public Art EOI

Create NSW is seeking Expressions of Interest from NSW and ACT First Nations artists to develop public artworks as part of the restoration of Keller House, a place of remembrance for Stolen Generations Survivors from NSW and ACT.

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Key information

Status: Open
Grant amount: Total program budget is $51,000 (ex GST), including $1,500 (ex GST) for each of four shortlisted artists for a Stage 2 concept. $45,000 (ex GST) supports delivery of five artworks, covering fees, consultation, and final digital files for fabrication.
Application opened: 2 April 2026
Application closes: 23 April 2026, 3:00 pm

Program objective

The purpose of this program is to commission high-quality, culturally informed public artworks by NSW and ACT First Nations artists for installation at Keller House, home to the Stolen Generations Council NSW/ACT. The program aims to embed First Nations cultural knowledge, stories and artistic expression into the refurbished site, supporting its role as a place for truth telling, healing, cultural continuity and community connection.

This program responds to the opportunity created through the refurbishment of Keller House to ensure that Survivors’ experiences and cultural perspectives are visibly and meaningfully represented throughout the public areas of the site. The program prioritises NSW and ACT First Nations artists with demonstrated cultural connection, community engagement experience, and a capacity to deliver site-specific public art of the highest standard.

Objectives of the Program

The objectives of the Program are to:

Commission public artworks that honour and reflect the stories, resilience and lived experiences of Stolen Generations Survivors.
Embed First Nations cultural perspectives within the refurbished Keller House to strengthen its role as a culturally safe and healing environment.
Increase opportunities for NSW and ACT First Nations artists to participate in significant public art commissions that require community consultation, cultural integrity and technical capability.
Ensure artworks enhance visitor experience, accessibility, cultural learning and connection to place across the Keeping Place.
Produce public art outcomes that meet heritage, safety and design requirements and contribute to the long-term cultural value of the site.

The program is guided by Stolen Generation Survivors funded by the NSW Government and administered by Create NSW in partnership with Aboriginal Affairs NSW. Image Credit: Keller House Landscape Design Sketch, (Credit JMD Design)

The Project Outline and identified locations for the public artworks at the Stolen Generations Keeping Places – Keller House, located within the Parramatta North Cultural Precinct.

The project seeks First Nations artists to develop five site-specific artworks integrated across key areas of the site: the Reflection Point Canopy, Reflection Point, Building Awning, Bin Enclosure, and Playground. Collectively, these locations form a connected cultural and visual narrative that honours the lived experiences, resilience, and stories of Stolen Generations Survivors.

The artworks are intended to support truth-telling, healing, and cultural safety, while sensitively responding to the heritage setting and the guidance of Survivors, embedding First Nations perspectives into both functional and contemplative spaces across Keller House.

This program is administered by Create NSW.

Eligibility

Who can apply

All EOI opportunities must have clear eligibility criteria that outline the minimum requirements an applicant must meet. Applicants should review these criteria carefully before applying and ensure they can provide all required evidence. The Department cannot consider any application that does not meet all eligibility criteria.

Eligible Applicants

To be eligible, you must:

Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) for a registered entity.
Be an individual applicant.
Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, with demonstrated connection to Country, culture, community, and cultural practice. (Applicants may instead provide a short-written statement that includes:
- Their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity
- Their family lineage, their involvement in community, such as participation in cultural events, organisations, or relationships with Elders
- Their involvement in community, such as participation in cultural events, organisations, or relationships with Elders)
Have maintained residency in NSW and / or the ACT for the previous 12 months and still reside there
Be a permanent resident of Australia.
Have an account with an Australian financial institution
Be 18 years old or older.

Types of projects funded under this grant

A total of $51,000 (excluding GST) has been committed for the Program. This is specifically for artist fees, covering the following key deliverables:

Design development, including research, conceptualisation, and refinement of the artwork concept
Stakeholder consultation, ensuring the artist meaningfully engages with project managers, Cultural advisers, and relevant Survivor representatives
Preparation and delivery of the final digital artwork files, suitable for fabrication by the Head build works contractor

It is important that applicants clearly understand these deliverables, as they will need to demonstrate within their EOI responses how they can successfully deliver each component. These deliverables will be assessed under the Assessment Criteria.

Applicants should ensure they address these requirements in their submission, providing sufficient detail, examples, and supporting evidence to allow the assessment panel to evaluate their suitability.

The project delivery timeframe is May 2026 to October 2026, with installation scheduled in late 2026.

All funding amounts are exclusive of GST.

$1,500 (ex GST) will be paid to each shortlisted artist invited to develop a Stage 2 concept design.
$45,000 (ex GST) commissioning fee for the final artist selected at the conclusion of Stage 2.

Outcomes for projects funded under this grant

The intended outcomes of the Program are:

The creation of culturally appropriate, site-specific artworks that support truth telling and promote healing for Survivors, families and communities.
A visibly enriched and culturally grounded Keeping Places that strengthens understanding of the ongoing impacts of the Stolen Generations.
Increased participation and visibility of NSW and ACT First Nations artists within major public domain projects.
High-quality public artworks that enhance the cultural, educational and emotional experience of visitors to Keller House.

A strengthened partnership between artists, community, Create NSW, Aboriginal Affairs NSW and the Stolen Generations Survivors through respectful collaboration and engagement.

Who can’t apply

You are not eligible to apply if you are one of the following entity types:

a company incorporated in Australia
a company incorporated by guarantee
an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
an incorporated association
a partnership
a joint (consortia) application with a nominated lead organisation (if applicable)
a registered charity or not-for-profit organisation
a publicly funded research organisation
an Australian local government body
an Australian state or territory government body
an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth)

Example projects

What co-contributions are required

There are no co-contribution obligations for this Program. Artists are not required to provide additional financial contributions, and funding from other government sources may be used for unrelated project activities but cannot replace or supplement the funding provided for this public art commission.

Additional eligibility requirements

The Department cannot award funding if the applicant is receiving funding from another government source for the same purpose.

What your application needs to include

Prepare your application with this checklist

These Program Guidelines (Guidelines) contain important information about the Program. You must read and understand these Guidelines before applying. These Guidelines outline:

The purpose, objectives and intended outcomes of the Program
The application and assessment process
Governance and decision-making arrangements
How the Program operates and what is required of successful applicants

By submitting an Expression of Interest, applicants acknowledge that they are responsible for ensuring:

They have read all information contained in these Guidelines
Their application is complete and accurate at the time of submission
All supporting documentation is provided in the required format
They understand any eligibility requirements, assessment criteria and program timelines

Create NSW may update or amend these Guidelines at any time. Any revised Guidelines or addenda will be published on the NSW Government Grants Finder website. If the Guidelines are updated after you have applied, you will be notified and given the opportunity to amend or resubmit your application.

Address the eligibility criteria

Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.

Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.

Address the assessment criteria

At the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage, all applicants are assessed on their suitability and capacity to progress to the concept design stage. No concepts, designs, or detailed project documentation are required or assessed at this stage. Each EOI is assessed as a whole and scored against the following criteria, with each criterion marked out of 25.

Criterion 1: Demonstrated Understanding of the Project and Desired Outcomes (25%) Applicants should demonstrate:

A clear and accurate understanding of the project’s aims, context, and intended outcomes (This includes articulating the purpose of the commission, its cultural or community significance, and how the proposed work responds to the broader vision of the program)
How their practice, methodology, or creative approach aligns with the objectives of the commissioning program (Applicants should explain how their experience, values, or artistic frameworks position them to deliver an outcome that meets the program’s expectations)
Awareness of the communities, audiences, and contexts relevant to the project (Applicants should demonstrate understanding of the social, cultural, historical, or geographic contexts in which the project will sit, and show how their approach will be responsive, respectful, and appropriate for those communities or audiences).

Criterion 2: Artistic Merit (25%)

Applicants should demonstrate:

The quality, originality, and relevance of their past artistic work. (Assessor will consider the artist strength of previous projects, the applicant’s creative vision, and evidence of innovation, conceptual rigour, or technical excellence)
Previous Experience delivering artworks of a similar scale, context, or complexity (Applicants should show their capacity to manage, design, and realise work within comparable parameters whether through scale, materiality, site-specificity, cultural context, cultural context, community engagement, or technical demands).
A demonstrated professional practice. (This includes evidence of sustained artistic development, participation in exhibitions, commissions, residences, awards, collaborations, or other indicators of an active and recognised creative practice).

Criterion 3: Capacity to Deliver (25%)

Applicants should demonstrate:

Relevant experience, skills, and capability to undertake the commission (Assessors will consider the applicant’s technical abilities, project management skills, and familiarity with delivering work of comparable scale, context, or complexity)
Availability and ability to meet the required timeframe. (Applicants must show they can commit the necessary time and resources to ensure timely and high‑quality delivery of the project)
Willingness to consult and collaborate with stakeholders (This includes demonstrating a collaborative working style, openness to feedback, and the ability to engage constructively with communities, project partners, cultural knowledge holders, and the commissioning body)

Criterion 4: Cultural Integrity & Alignment (25%)

Applicants should demonstrate:

A commitment to culturally safe, respectful, and appropriate practice.This includes the sensitivity, empathy, and capability required to engage with cultural narratives and lived experiences with care.
Understanding of relevant cultural protocols, including First Nations cultural and intellectual property (ICIP), where applicable.Applicants should show awareness of cultural authority, custodianship, permissions, and attribution responsibilities.
Examples of ethical engagement with communities, collaborators, or knowledge-holders.This may include previous community-led processes, relationship‑building practices, or experience handling culturally significant stories.

Note for applicants:

At Stage Two, shortlisted applicants will be asked to outline their proposed approach to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

At this stage (Stage One), applicants are not required to provide a full FPIC plan but should demonstrate that they understand the importance of culturally informed engagement and the need for appropriate permissions before proceeding.

Start the application

Before applying, you must read and understand these Program Guidelines.

Stage One - Expression of Interest

To submit an EOI, you must:

complete the application form in SmartyGrants portal
provide all information requested
address all eligibility criteria
address all relevant assessment criteria
include all required attachments
submit your EOI application by 3pm on Thursday 23rd April 2026.

You are responsible for ensuring your application is complete and accurate. Providing false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The Department will investigate any false or misleading information and may exclude your application from consideration.

Applications must be submitted online via the SmartyGrants portal. Once submitted, you will receive an automated email confirming receipt of your application. You should retain a copy of your completed application and all supporting documents.

Documents Required

Applicants must upload the following documents with their completed application:

up to five examples of previous work – photographs
supporting documentation addressing each of the assessment criteria
how will you respond to the stories, how will you respond to the themes

Stage Two – Concept Design

Shortlisted artists will be required to submit a comprehensive Concept Design package that includes:

A detailed written concept design, clearly outlining the proposed artistic approach and intent.
A presentation that demonstrates:
- How the artist plans to approach the development and realisation of the work.
- The creative rationale and methodology behind the proposed concept.
Visual examples such as sketches, renders, reference images, or other visual aids that help articulate the artistic vision.
Technical Specifications, including:
- Installation considerations
Dimensions of the proposed work, including height, width, depth, and any spatial or site-specific requirements.

Submission process

All concept designs must be submitted online via the SmartyGrants portal.

Submissions must be uploaded as a PDF document through the designated SmartyGrants application form.
Upon successful submission, applicants will automatically receive an email confirming receipt of their concept design.
Applicants are strongly advised to retain a copy of their full submission, including all documentation and attachments, for their own records.

Clarification and Additional Information

If the Department identifies an error or missing information, we may contact you to request clarification or additional information, provided the request does not change the nature of the application.

If you identify an error after submission, you must contact the Department immediately at FirstNations@create.nsw.gov.au. The Department is not obligated to accept additional information or corrections after the closing date and time. Applications cannot be changed once the submission period has closed.

Multiple Applications

If more than one application is received from the same applicant, only the latest application submitted before the closing date will be assessed.

Time Extensions

The Department may make a discretionary decision to accept a late application due to technical difficulties. In order for this decision to be considered you must contact Create NSW at arts.funding@create.nsw.gov.au within 1 hour of applications closing (by 3pm 23 April 2026) with any supporting evidence.

Applicant Conduct

Applicants must not lobby the NSW Government in relation to this Program in a manner that may be perceived to create an unfair advantage. All applicants must comply with all relevant laws, including the NSW Lobbyists Code of Conduct.

Changes to the Guidelines

If any changes occur to the EOI Guidelines or application process, the Department will notify applicants via email and advise whether amendments to submitted applications are permitted.

Appeals

There is no appeal mechanism for this EOI program.

All decisions made by the Department regarding EOI outcomes are final and cannot be reviewed or reconsidered.

Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.

Apply now

After the application is submitted

Successful applications will be decided by: Director, Creative Spaces, Create NSW

Assessment process

This is a targeted and competitive program.

All applications are submitted and assessed through the following two-staged process below.

Stage One – Expression of Interest Assessment

All applications are reviewed against the eligibility criteria.
Applications that do not meet all eligibility criteria will not progress to assessment.
Eligible applications are assessed against the assessment criteria.
Applications are compared against other applications, scored and ranked by a panel comprised of Create NSW staff, and may include external assessors as required.
Following the EOI Assessment panel meeting, the top four applicants will be recommended to the Decision Maker for shortlisting.

Stage Two – Concept Design

Once approval is provided by the Decision Maker, the four shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a Concept Design via SmartyGrants. This stage will expand on the initial proposal and provide the assessment panel with a deeper understanding of each artist’s vision and approach.

Concept Design Requirements

Shortlisted artists will be required to submit a 10‑page presentation (maximum), which must include:

A detailed response to the assessment criteria.
A concept design presentation addressing the following key themes:
- Truth-telling
- Healing
- Stolen Generations
An outline of how your artistic practice will contribute to, support, and benefit the telling of this story.
A photo montage, visual render or illustrative materials that communicate the proposed concept.

Support for Shortlisted Artists

Create NSW will be available to provide advice and feedback relating to shortlisted applicants’ EOI submissions prior to the lodgement of their final Concept Design.

Presentation to the board / Survivors & Stolen Generations Council

The four completed Concept designs will be presented to the Board and Survivors of the Stolen generations Councils NSW/ACT.

During this session:

Each shortlisted artist concept design presentation will be presented to council members and survivors without the artist present
Council members and Survivors will assess all four proposals
Council members and Survivors will then vote to select their preferred candidate.

Recommendation and Decision Making

The assessment panel will provide written recommendations to the designated decision maker, identified as the Director, Creative Spaces, Create NSW.
The designated decision maker is responsible for approving the final list of shortlisted applicants recommended by the panel and the successful applicant recommended by the Stolen Generation Council NSW/ACT.
Where applicable, probity advice may be considered before final decisions are made.
The Department reserves the right to reject, refuse, or cease assessing an application at any time.

The decision includes:

approval of applications for funding
the amount of funding awarded
any associated terms and conditions of funding

All decisions made by the Department are final.

Due Diligence and Other Checks

Due diligence or verification checks may be undertaken at any time during the assessment process to ensure effective risk management, proportionate to the value and complexity of the EOI and consistent with the Department’s Risk Framework.

These checks may include, but are not limited to:

financial viability checks (e.g. ASIC searches)
criminal history or police checks
internal conflict of interest checks
contacting project partners or collaborators
inviting applicants to present to the Department or a technical review committee
commissioning independent research, analysis, or modelling to support assessments

For complex, high risk, or high value Expression of Interests, these checks are mandatory

Anticipated assessment outcome date is Notification of shortlisted and unsuccessful EOI applicants: April 2026. Notification of selected artist(s) and unsuccessful applicants following full application: June 2026.

Support and contact

First Nations resources

Create NSW has First Nations resources which may support applicants and clarify expectations around eligibility and cultural protocols.

Support and Contact

We encourage you to read these Guidelines.

Create NSW staff are available to provide technical advice and general information to potential applicants on the interpretation of these guidelines and support with the online application process.

Create NSW staff cannot help directly with your application. To maintain a fair and equitable process, staff cannot edit or correct any applications or provide advice on the content or choices required against the assessment criteria for this grant opportunity.

For further information or clarification, the Create NSW First Nations Team can be contacted Monday - Friday between 9am - 5pm (excluding Public Holidays) via email: firstnations@create.nsw.gov.au

For assistance submitting applications form via SmartyGrants please email arts.funding@create.nsw.gov.au.

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