Public Art in Alice Springs (Mparntwe)

Masterplan, Policy, Framework, and Art Map

We're extremely fortunate to have a talented and unique creative community who've contributed to making accessible art which celebrates our collective history, values and stories throughout our public spaces. Not only is Council committed to prioritising public art where possible in accordance with our Public Art Masterplan 2020-2030, Public Art Policy and recently developed Public Art Framework, but want's to bring to the forefront and celebrate our ever-evolving and expanding public art collection.

Public Art Masterplan 2020-2030

Our ten-year vision and strategic framework to guide decision-making and foster a diverse, high-standard collection of public art that reflects local identity, landscape, and community aspirations: 

Alice Springs Town Council Public Art Masterplan 2020-2023

Public Art Policy

Our recently updated Public Art Policy serves to guide the Council’s approach to funding, procuring, maintaining, and decommissioning public art within the community:

Public Art Policy (2026)

Public Art Framework

This is a guiding document for Council officers and the public which details the transparent and consistent processes for commissioning, procuring, and maintaining public art within the municipality. I also provides details about plans and processes for applying to be part of our Public Art Advisory Panel (PAAP):

Public Art Framework (April 2026)

Public Art Map

 Alice Springs Public Art Map PDF

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Info for Artists

Public art serves to celebrate our heritage and cultural diversity by creating visual landmarks, which act as natural gathering places for local storytelling and information-sharing. Public art also enhances the visual experience for visitors and encourage emotional connections with our uniquely creative town.

Open Expressions of Interest (EOI)

Current art opportunities within the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Municipality will be displayed on our Current Opportunities page.

Artist Register

Are you an Artist looking for upcoming opportunities with the Alice Spring Town Council?

To get on our mailing list and Artist Register, submit your interest!

We will use this database to send you through upcoming Expressions of Interests for public art works and keep you in mind for events and workshops opportunities!

Opportunities are available to solo musicians or bands, street performers, visual, digital or sculptural craft artists, videographers and photographers, as well as facilitators, MC’s, comedians and advocates!

For more information, get in touch with the Community & Cultural Development Team at 08 8950 0582.

Register your Interest on the Artist Register!

Alice Springs Town Council Art Collection

Alice Springs Town Council’s art collection consists of over 350 artworks and represents several decades of award-winning artworks from the Caltex Art Award (later known as the Northern Territory Art Award and now as the Advocate Art Award) and the Alice Prize.

Pieces acquired by the Central Australian Art Society and the Alice Springs Art Foundation, between 1968 and today, have been generously donated to Council for the people of Alice Springs. The collection comprises a noteworthy 30% of the Araluen Art Collection, where it is commonly held, and features around 20 painted boards from the early Papunya period – the start of the Western Desert Art Movement, famous for its Aboriginal dot paintings.

Council’s Civic Centre is home to the extraordinary Battle for the Spinifex series by then local artist, Kaye Kessing – 11 paintings highlighting the feral animal problem in Central Australia. Kaye’s vibrant and entertaining artworks were also used as scene backdrops for an educational play which toured Australia in 1990.

Click the link below to learn more about The Alice Prize and recent winners.

The Alice Prize website

Arts in the Community

Are you an Artist in Alice Springs? Check out some of these local organisations that offer art groups, workshops and opportunities for artists. 

Here are a few key contacts to begin your creative journey:

• Araluen Arts Centre
• Central Craft
• Central Australian Arts Society
• Red Hot Arts
• Watch this Space

To find out more about Public Art in Local Government, check out the NAVA Love Your Local Toolkit!

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About Public Art

What is Public Art?

Public art refers to creative works in any medium that are intentionally designed for public spaces. These artworks are placed in locations that are open and accessible to all, inviting connection, reflection, and interaction across a broad and diverse audience.

Public art is art for everyone! It transforms everyday places into spaces of meaning, creativity, and engagement.

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Public Art Forms

Public art is not limited by medium and can take many forms. It could be:

• Any kind of media, including visual, digital, audio, or performance
• Temporary or permanent
• Located indoors or outdoors
• Two-dimensional (e.g. murals) or three-dimensional (e.g. sculpture)

Public art can be integrated as part of an environment or structure such as buildings, paving, street furniture, handrails, fencing, lighting or other features.

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What Public Art Does & Why it Matters

Public art should change the way audiences experience and understand their environment. It can:

• Surprise or captivate passersby
• Engage one or more of the senses
• Spark conversations
• Increase social, cultural and environmental awareness
• Reflect community aspirations and values
• Transform spaces

The value of public art extends far beyond aesthetics. It contributes to:

• Placemaking and stronger sense of community identity
• Education and knowledge-sharing
• Tourism and economic growth
• Innovation, well-being, and sustainability
• Cultural connection and reconciliation

A growing body of research shows that public art enhances social, cultural, and economic capital. It connects people to place, fosters creativity, and creates opportunities for meaningful engagement. Studies have also shown tangible benefits including increased tourism, stronger local economies, and deeper community engagement and pride.