Greater Dandenong City Council is grateful for the large volume of applications for the Drum Theatre Façade Project.
Applications are now closed.
Forming part of the Dandenong’s expanding arts precinct together with the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, the Drum caters to a diverse range of audiences, hosting local and international artists, communities, and premier productions.
Site location
The Drum Theatre is a 518-seat, state-of-the-art, purpose-built performing arts theatre within the heritage façade of the former Dandenong Town Hall, situated in the heart of central Dandenong.
The Drum Theatre engages with artists and the community to host more than 200 performances and events for over 40,000 patrons each year via a range of professional touring productions, local theatrical performances and community presentations. The theatre develops and promotes the accessibility of the performing arts and continues to consolidate itself as the iconic, cultural heart for Dandenong and a vibrant hub for arts and cultural activity.
The Drum Theatre opened in 2006, retaining the Lonsdale Street façade of the Dandenong Town Hall (originally opened in 1890), an iconic landmark now sporting a red ‘drum’ that is the core of the theatre building.
As an anchor for city vibrancy and an attractor of audiences that include Dandenong’s diverse communities, the Drum Theatre is well situated to build engagement with the performing arts for the City of Greater Dandenong’s citizens and the one million residents in Melbourne’s south-east growth corridor.
Key objectives
This project is centred around changing perceptions and revitalising urban recognition of the Drum Theatre as an inviting, welcoming and culturally safe space for local and south-east community to become more engaged with.
The key objective of this commission is to produce a site-specific, temporary (five years) artwork which visually tell a story of art experiences, vibrant programming, charm and intimacy behind the façade. It is expected the artwork will respond to the three-dimensional nature of the building, using the building structure, shape and architectural features. This play between external look and internal identity needs to be innovative, creating a glimpse into stories of place, engaging the viewer and evoking a sense of belonging, connection and pride.
It is also expected that the artwork will consider any constraints as outlined in the expression of interest guidelines, such as materials and heritage overlay restrictions.
Selection process
The selection process for the art commission will occur across three stages. For full details, please see the Expression of Interest Guidelines document.
Expression of Interest Guidelines Drum Theatre Facade Art Commission 2024 - 1.16MB
The successful design will be selected by a panel formed by City of Greater Dandenong representatives.
Applications have now closed.
For more information, please contact the Public Art Projects Lead, via phone 8571 5409 or email arts@cgd.vic.gov.au.
Key stages
Stage 1 – Expression of interest
Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) is the first stage of the process. At this stage we are only seeking a preliminary concept proposal.
See the Submission requirements section below for information on how to register a Stage 1 EOI.
- Expression of interest concept proposals must be received no later than 11.59pm, Monday 3 June.
- A shortlist of up to three artists will be selected from the Stage 1 submissions and offered an opportunity to develop a more detailed concept and design.
Please note: No fees will be paid for Stage 1.
Stage 2 – Shortlisted artists
The shortlisted artists will be selected from the Stage 1 submissions and offered an opportunity to develop a more detailed concept and design.
Followed by:
- Site visit
- Concept development (fee will be paid)
- Concept presentation.
One shortlisted artist will be selected from the Stage 2 and offered an opportunity to further develop their concept and design.
Stage 3 – Successful artist
Final artwork developed, delivered and installed on site.
This stage is funding dependent.