2025 Rider Levett Bucknall Award for Best Public Art Project
At Rider Levett Bucknall, we proudly celebrate the power of public art to transform place and strengthen community. The Rider Levett Bucknall Award for Best Public Art Project honours creative excellence, cultural storytelling and community impact.
The value of artwork is not dollar-driven – it’s about people and their connection to place. But the financial value of creating destinations that build community is clear. Good art supports that.
Fiona Doherty, Director
This year’s finalists showcase how art connects people to place and elevates the built environment:
Bloodlines weaving string and water
Judy Watson, Upper House, Brisbane
A striking 29-metre corten steel sculpture, illuminated from within, that draws on the traditional idea of bush string – used for carrying, binding and storytelling – to reflect strength, survival and identity.
Denman Prospect Sculpture Trail
Capital Estate Developments, Canberra
An outdoor collection of 11 large-scale sculptures transforms Denman Prospect into a walkable art gallery. Integrated across parks and public spaces, the works bring cultural depth and creativity to a growing Canberra community.
Flow, Fold
Georgia Hill, Equinix Data Centre, Alexandria
This bold, 4,300-square-metre mural wraps the Equinix Data Centre in dynamic forms. Selected through a staff-led process, it references Alexandria’s industrial past and today’s digital infrastructure – turning a functional building into a striking visual landmark.
Nepean Looking Glass
Pullman Sydney Penrith
A reflective steel sculpture that curves through the hotel lobby, paying homage to the nearby Nepean River. It creates a fluid link between natural landscape and guest experience – anchoring the hotel in its local context.
Parramatta Square Public Art Collection
Walker Corporation
Commissioned by the late Lang Walker, this curated series brings together major works by Australian and Indigenous artists under the theme Dare to Dream. It redefines Parramatta Square as a cultural landmark, rich in identity, resilience and civic pride.
Sydney Metro Northwest Public Art Program
Sydney Metro
Embedded in stations, underpasses and walkways, this place-based art program brings colour, storytelling and cultural connection to the city’s new Metro line – turning everyday infrastructure into moments of community engagement.
Congratulations to all the 2025 finalists for artworks that enrich our cities and engage communities.
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