All multiple-dwelling, mixed-use or commercial developments, where the total cost exceeds $2 million, are required to provide public art as part of the development or alternatively, pay cash in lieu to the City. Find out more about this initiative below.
We believe that public art can have a significant impact on the vibrancy, appearance, character and amenity of our neighbourhoods and actively encourage developers and builders to incorporate public art into their developments.
Under our Local Planning Policy 1.4, public art is a requirement for all multiple dwelling/houses, mixed use or non-residential developments (or alterations, additions or extensions to these developments) where the total development cost exceeds $2 million.
Applicants are required to provide artwork to the value of 1% of the development, or alternately pay cash in lieu of providing the artwork.
Applicants that choose to provide public art will need to provide the details of their proposed artwork to our public art panel prior to their planning/development application being approved. Alternatively the details may be provided at a later date in accordance with a condition of planning/development approval.
We strongly encourage applicants to contact our arts team to discuss their proposed artwork for their development prior to lodging it for approval with our public art panel, as they can provide guidance and suggestions which align with our Public Art Strategy and Masterplan.
To submit your proposed artwork for approval to our public panel, download our Application for Public Artwork Approval Form and email it to arts.Melville@Melville.wa.gov.au or post it to our Civic Centre. You will need to submit your application two weeks prior to an assessment meeting.
You will also need to notify us when the artwork is complete and installed, by completing our Notification of Artwork Completion Form.
For detailed requirements for public art provided under this policy, read our Local Planning Policy 1.14 – Provision of Public Art in Development Proposals.
For a step by step guide to commissioning public art in the city of Melville, read our Guidelines for Developers