Art Implementation Plan

Barangaroo is emerging as a vibrant harbourside destination for visual arts and culture, driven by its ongoing commitment to public art as outlined in the Barangaroo Art Implementation Plan 2023.

The Barangaroo precinct is shaping up to become a definitive harbourside destination for Sydney’s visual arts and culture. It brings together a dynamic program of public art, temporary installations, and creative activations and programs.  

Public art in the precinct has been underpinned by the Barangaroo Public Art and Cultural Plan 2015 and will continue to be delivered under the newly released Barangaroo Art Implementation Plan 2023 (PDF, 27 MB).

The Art Implementation Plan outlines the ongoing commitment to public art delivery by Infrastructure NSW, its Development Partners (Lendlease, Crown, and Aqualand), and the City of Sydney to solidify Barangaroo as a place which inspires people and is a celebrated cultural destination.  

Explore themes of culture and identity through art

The Art Implementation Plan identifies artworks that are delivered, forthcoming and committed, all of which offer creative responses to Barangaroo’s form, geography, rich history and future through integrated, site-specific installations.  

Standout artworks which are committed for delivery by Infrastructure NSW include prominent pieces for Harbour Park, collectively known as Moon Vessel, Wind Vessel, and Water Vessel. These integrated First Nations-led artworks will connect park visitors to the water of the harbour, the sky above it, and the wind that travels through it to tell a unified story. 

Significant public artworks delivered since 2015 include shellwall (Jonathan Jones and Esme Timbery), Shadows (Sabine Hornig), Mermer Waiskeder – Stories of the Moving Tide (Ghost Net Collective) and Wellama at The Cutaway (Alison Page and Nik Lachajczak).  

Learn about the Barangaroo Public Art Trail or download a copy of the Barangaroo Art Implementation Plan 2023 (PDF, 27 MB).

The Art Implementation Plan:

  • Provides a clear methodology for Infrastructure NSW to implement the aims of the Barangaroo Public Art and Cultural Plan 2015.
  • Sets a curatorial vision that reaffirms our dedication to ensuring Barangaroo remains a place that constantly inspires residents and visitors alike.
  • Outlines a program of work for artworks delivered, forthcoming and committed, including their locations, indicative delivery timeframes, artwork themes, and interpretation.
  • Details project governance to articulate key stakeholders and decision makers, approvals and reporting rhythms.
  • Provides and overview of an indicative commissioning and approval process, through step-by-step stages from artwork commissioning to completion.
  • Applies to all artworks commissioned on and from the date of publication, 15 September 2023 by either Infrastructure NSW or Aqualand.

Heritage Interpretation Plan

The Barangaroo Art Implementation Plan 2023 should be read in conjunction with the Barangaroo Heritage Interpretation Plan 2022, which:

  • Articulates a storytelling and interpretive vision for the precinct.
  • Was developed through an extensive consultation process involving key stakeholders.
  • Establishes a framework for the development of interpretive projects.
  • Uses interpretive themes and storylines to create a cohesive, engaging and memorable experience for all visitors to the precinct, through both tangible and intangible elements.

Together, the Plans aim to:

  • attract people to Barangaroo through public art and heritage interpretation that contributes to Barangaroo’s evolving character and atmosphere 
  • celebrate and reflect the site’s First Nations and waterfront histories
  • give people an ever-changing program of temporary Barangaroo events and exhibits.