Background
The City of Marion recognises that public artworks can help to create a more attractive urban environment which reflects local character, community pride, ownership, sense of place and community identity. It can be in the form of a sculpture, visual arts, digital, music, performance arts, installation and urban activation as well as programmed artistic artworks in the public realm.
To find out more about how to activate your public spaces, connect with your community through public arts and turning spaces into vibrant places, or if you are interested in adding artwork to your stobie pole, please visit our website.
Art in public places | Things to do | City of Marion
The community is invited to share feedback on public art, art on stobie poles and provide other suggestions you may have to make our City more liveable, engaging, prosperous and sustainable via the survey tab below. These surveys are always open for feedback.
Public Art Strategy and Action Plan
The City of Marion has endorsed its first-ever Public Art Strategy and Action Plan, establishing a vision for public art in the city. The Strategy aims to foster a vibrant, creative, and culturally rich environment through community engagement, innovation, and sustainability - leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Next Steps:
City of Marion will commence delivery of the Action Plan, including the planning and implementation of project activities.
July Update (previous update):
Community consultation on the draft Public Art Strategy 2025-2030 is now closed - thank you to everyone who submitted a response. All feedback has been carefully reviewed and considered as part of finalising the strategy. The strategy was presented to Council at the General Council Meeting on 22 July 2025 where it was endorsed.
October Update (previous update):
Consultation on the development of City of Marion's Public Art Strategy and Action Plan is now closed - thank you to everyone who submitted a response.
Key Council documents, together with consultation gathered will be analysed, and inform the development of the Strategy and Action Plan, providing a vision, purpose and a framework for targeted Council investment in public art.
A draft five-year Public Art Strategy and Action Plan will be developed and released to the community mid-2025 for further consultation. Feedback received from the public consultation will assist in informing the final Strategy and Action Plan.
For further information contact:
Public Art and Place team:
8375 6828
publicartandplacemaking@marion.sa.gov.au
Above artwork Image: " A place with a history and a future" Mitchell Park Storytelling textile piece, Donna Gordge and community, 2022. Located at Mitchell Park Sports and Community Centre
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Public art, place activation and arts opportunities
Opportunities
Placemaking and Activation Support Program (the Program)
The Program provides financial and in-kind contributions to a diverse range of projects. These initiatives include creating:
- Inviting destinations for both visitors and residents;
- enhancing community engagement in activating public spaces;
- supporting public artworks;
- boosting the evening and night-time economy, and
- improving safety and environmental conditions.
Through collaborative placemaking efforts, the Program aims to reimagine public spaces into vibrant hubs where people can live, work, and play, aligning with the City of Marion's strategic vision of creating attractive, amenity-rich neighbourhoods.
Eligible projects encompass a wide array of endeavours, from public art installations to street furniture and environmental improvements, all contributing to the community's well-being and sense of place.
Applications for the Placemaking and Activation Support Program can be made at any time by emailing an Expression of Interest to (External link)business@marion.sa.gov.au.
The Program will be open for applications until the budget allocation is exhausted each financial year.
For further information please go to Placemaking and Activation Support Program
*Activation mural by Alex Bellas, 2023 at 43 Addison Road, Warradale
SALA subsidy support
This subsidy scheme acknowledges the role that artists and local venues play in the cultural life of the City of Marion. Subsidies of $140 to assist individuals and $300 to assist groups with the cost of registering for the SALA Festival are available.
Limited rebates are available. Be quick - first in best dressed.
Artists who do not reside within the City of Marion, but are holding an exhibition in the council area for SALA are also eligible to claim the rebate.
SALA registrations generally open early March and close mid-May every year.
For further information please go to SALA subsidy scheme
Artist Register
The City of Marion is committed to supporting local artists, artistic expression and experiences within the city.
The aim of this register is to showcase local artists or artists connected to the City of Marion by presenting short biographies and snippets of their work for the wider community to view and enjoy. Council also endeavours to utilise the register for City of Marion or community initiated projects and for networking and forum purposes.
Go to Arts and Culture(External link), City of Marion to register as an artist
Verge Incentive Fund - extended for five years
A City of Marion trial to encourage residents to beautify their street verges has been such a success that Council has extended the fund for the next five years in their budget.
Establishing a verge garden helps to green your local streets, improve biodiversity, shows pride in your neighbourhood and builds a strong sense of community.
The City of Marion initiated the trial in early 2022 to assist residents who wanted to improve the look of their road verge, between their property and the street.
The $50,000 fund aims to assist eligible City of Marion residents with the costs of improving the landscaping on council-owned road verges outside their properties.
Residents must submit invoices to claim reimbursement of up to 50 per cent of costs, up to a limit of $500. Costs can include soil replacement, plants, mulch, or the hire of a registered contractor to do excavation work.More details about the fund and the application process are available HERE.
Take action locally
Our local communities are evolving. They have an increased awareness, a greater desire to be heard, and a higher expectation to be involved in issues which may impact their social, cultural, economic or environmental well being.
Our beliefs and behaviours are all influenced by the information we have access to and the knowledge we constantly acquire. If we as individuals, a Council, and a local community, are to change our decisions and behaviours to allow for a healthier environment, then we need to have access to information and the opportunity to apply knowledge.
