Expressions of Interest: Have your work included in the Treaty for Victoria
Applications close: Midnight, Tuesday 22 April 2025
We’re looking for First Nations artists from across Victoria who together can help present the collective aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with creative artworks grounded in culture.
After years of yarning with our communities right across Victoria, the Assembly is currently negotiating the first Statewide Treaty with the Government of Victoria.
This art project is a unique opportunity to contribute to an historic moment by producing artwork that reflects your culture, creativity, and connection to Country.
Five artists will be commissioned for this project representing all corners of the state, with one Traditional Owner from each of the five Assembly regions; North West, North East, South West, South East and the Metropolitan region.
Successful applicants will each receive a $8,000 commission for their work.
About The Treaty Art Project
The Treaty Art Project is by the First Peoples’ Assembly and the artwork will feature on the Statewide Treaty agreement that both the Assembly and Victora State Government will enter.
Seize this historic opportunity to showcase your exceptional talent, amplify your voice, and inspire generations to come with your creative vision.
Together, let us celebrate the strength and resilience of Aboriginal communities, cultures and connection to Country through artistic practice. It is through art that we forge connections, provoke thoughtful conversation, and amplify our voices.
What we are looking for
- Originality of work
- Your Voice
- Culturally responsible works, no appropriated art styles, or stories if they are not connected to your language groups
- Consideration of place
- Works that will be eye catching and thought provoking
- Colour and life
Themes that could be explored
For those who might need a little help, if you need some prompts.
- Traditional stories (from your own language group)
- Indigenous perspectives, practices and ways of knowing
- Truth telling
- Elders
- Youth
- Self-determination
- LGBTQIA+
- Justice
- Health
- Education
- Caring for country
- Traditional crafts
- Our heroes
- Community
- Strength and resilience
- The passing on of knowledge and wisdom
- Healing and coming together
Who is the Assembly?
The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is the independent and democratically elected body to represent Traditional Owners of Country and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria.
After years of yarning with our communities to create a strong process that is open to all our mob right across Victoria, Treaty negotiations with the Government are now underway.
What unites all the aspirations the Assembly is pursuing is the simple principle that decisions about Aboriginal communities, should be made by Aboriginal people.
When it comes to Aboriginal communities, cultures, lands and languages, the experts are Aboriginal people. So we’ll be looking for ways to ensure Aboriginal communities always have the ability to use local knowledge to come up with practical solutions at a community level.
Whether its caring for country and overseeing ongoing truth-telling and healing efforts, or helping to improve the way services like health, housing and education are delivered in our communities, we see Treaty as a practical way to get better outcomes.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply, you must:
- Be a Victorian Traditional Owner currently living in Victoria.
- Be willing to share examples of your work in visual arts.
Selection criteria
Submissions will be assessed based on:
- Strength and originality of the artistic vision.
- Connection to culture and the project themes.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver work in the time provided.
What you will receive
- A $8,000 commission for your artwork.
- Support from the project team to finalise and present your work.
- Recognition as a contributing artist to this historic process.
How to apply
Submissions must include:
- Artist bio (up to 300 words): Share your background, practice, and what Treaty means to you.
- Artwork proposal (up to 300 words): Outline your concept and its connection to the curatorial themes.
- Portfolio: Provide up to five (5) examples of previous work.
- Confirmation of eligibility: Tell us which clan, nation or mob you belong to and where you live in Victoria.
- Submit your application via the online form: firstpeoplesvic.org/treaty-art-project
Timeline
- EOI opens: 9am, Saturday 5th March 2025
- EOI closes: 11:59pm, Tuesday 22 April 2025
- Successful applicants notified: 29 April 2025
- Final artwork completed by: June 2025
Support and assistance
If you have access requirements or need assistance submitting your application, please contact us at engagement@firstpeoplesvic.org or call 1800 TREATY (87 32 89).
Assessment process
Applications will be reviewed by a panel comprising of First Nations artists and representatives from the Assembly. The panel will evaluate submissions based on the selection criteria.
Important information
EOI Terms & Conditions
EOI Frequently Asked Questions
