Expression of Interest - Lightbox Lane Public Art Program

Local artists are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest for their artwork to be featured in Lightbox Lane.

About Lightbox Lane
Lightbox Lane is a biannual public art initiative that transforms a public space in the Lismore CBD into a vibrant evolving gallery, showcasing the creativity and cultural identity of region Lismore. This program provides a platform for local artists, art students, and emerging creatives to share their work in a professional public setting, celebrating the diverse voices and stories that shape the Lismore community.

Theme: People of Lismore / Creative Community

Theme Overview – August 2025:
The “People of Lismore / Creative Community” theme honours the artists, musicians, performers, writers, small business owners, and community leaders who contribute to the rich creative fabric of Lismore and its villages. It captures the spirit, resilience, and passion that make Lismore and its villages a unique and inspiring place to live and visit.

This theme aligns with the Lismore, Nimbin & Villages Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2024-2028, which highlights the region’s status as a Creative Hub with a strong sense of community and cultural storytelling. Key DMP priorities this theme supports include:

• Celebrating Local Culture and Community Stories (DMP Strategic Priority 1.4)
• Fostering Creative and Cultural Expression (DMP Vision and Goals, Pages 24-25)
• Reinforcing Lismore’s Identity as a Creative Capital (DMP Competitive Advantage, Page 15)

How to Apply
To submit an application, please provide:

• Your name, contact details, and a short artist biography
• A brief statement (maximum 300 words) explaining how your work aligns with the theme
• Up to three artwork concepts or portfolio samples
• Any relevant links to your previous work

Submit your EOI via the online form by Friday, 11 July 2025 at 4pm.

Applications Open: Friday, 6 June 2025
Applications Close: Friday, 11 July 2025 at 4pm.

Information for Applicants

Artists are encouraged to create works that:

• Reflect the spirit and stories of local legends and everyday heroes.
• Capture the diverse voices and creative contributions of Lismore’s residents.
• Align with the broader cultural narrative of the region as a place of creative expression and community connection.

Who Can Apply?
We welcome submissions from:

• Local artists and creatives (emerging and established) located in the 2480 postcode.
• Art students or recent graduates
• Artists working across any medium (painting, photography, digital art, mixed media, etc.) that can be translated into a large-format printed display

What We Provide

• Artist Fee: Each of the four selected artists will be paid $560 (inc. GST) for their work, in line with the NAVA (National Association for the Visual Arts) Payment Standard for Public Art.
• Printing and Installation: All production and display logistics will be managed in-house by Lismore City Council.
• Exposure and Promotion: Artists will be featured on the Lightbox Lane webpage, social media, and at an official launch event.

Selection Criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on:

• Creative alignment with the theme People of Lismore / Creative Community
• Artistic quality and originality
• Feasibility (artwork must be adaptable for print and public display)

Key Dates

• EOI Opens: Friday, 6 June 2025
• EOI Closes: Friday, 11 July 2025 at 4pm
• Panel Review and Artist Selection: Monday, 14 July – Friday, 25 July 2025
• Artist Notifications: Monday, 28 July – Tuesday, 29 July 2025
• Public Launch Event: Friday, 29 August 2025

Additional Information for Selected Artists

• Production Timeline: Once selected, artists will have a dedicated production period to finalise their work for printing and installation. Further guidance will be provided to successful applicants.
• Artist Payments: Successful artists will be paid in line with the NAVA (National Association for the Visual Arts) Payment Standard for Public Art, ensuring fair and industry-recognised compensation for your creative work. If selected, you will receive further details on the payment process and be required to submit an invoice to Lismore City Council for the agreed fee.
• Artwork Requirements: Final artworks must be ready for high-quality printing and installation. They should be fully aligned with the exhibition theme and meet the technical specifications provided upon selection. This includes considerations for size, resolution, and durability for outdoor display. Printing and installation will be covered by Lismore City Council in-house, ensuring a seamless and professional presentation.

Legal and Ethical Considerations:

Artists are reminded to ensure their work respects cultural sensitivities, particularly if drawing inspiration from First Nations stories or local heritage. Artworks should be original, respectful, and aligned with community values. Any work that includes culturally sensitive material must have appropriate permissions and acknowledgments.

Introduction to Future Themes:

Lightbox Lane's rotating exhibition themes are designed to reflect the cultural, environmental, and creative diversity of the Lismore, Nimbin, and Villages region. These themes align closely with the Lismore, Nimbin & Villages Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2024-2028, which emphasises celebrating local culture, nurturing creative industries, and supporting regenerative tourism. This long-term vision ensures each exhibition contributes to the ongoing cultural narrative of the region, providing artists with meaningful opportunities to connect with their community.

Future Rounds Exhibition Themes – Lightbox Lane

Based on the Lismore, Nimbin & Villages Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2024-2028, future rounds of the Lightbox Lane exhibitions will explore themes that align with the region’s cultural, environmental, and creative strengths.

For future rounds information please see www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Business/Business-support/Creative-industries

Questions
For enquiries, please contact Christabel Strong at business@lismore.nsw.gov.au or visit www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Business/Business-support/Creative-industries for more details.

This is an opportunity to have your artwork featured in a high-profile public space and contribute to Lismore’s creative landscape.