Public Art and Placemaking - Creating a sense of place

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.

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

Opportunities

Placemaking and Activation Support Program (the Program)

About 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 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 for the August 2024 Festival are now open, and close 8 May 2024.

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, City of Marion to register as an artist

Verge Incentive Fund

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 Verge Incentive Fund is a one-year trial, open for applications 1 April 2022, that provides a rebate to encourage more residents to beautify the verge area.

A total of 50 per cent of the costs of developing the verge, capped at a rebate of $500 per property can be applied for. Please note there are a limited number of rebates available.

To apply, you will need to take the following steps:

Read the Verge Development Guidelines to ensure your verge garden plans meet the City of Marion requirements
Submit your application using the Verge Development Application Form.
Once approved and development is complete, apply for your rebate using the Verge Rebate Form.

For more information, including the step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a permit to develop your garden and receive a rebate, please visit the Verge Incentive Fund FAQs page.

What if I do not want to apply for the fund?

Read the Verge Development Guidelines, then simply fill out the Verge Development Application Form above.

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.

To find out how you can take action.

Thank you for sharing your story with us.