Alumni Mural program - 2026 EOIs

The UNSW Library Alumni Mural program is a curated initiative to transform the Library’s internal environment through site-specific contemporary art. We are currently inviting expressions of interest (EOI) for this commission, which offers UNSW alumni the opportunity to create a high-impact, temporary mural that reflects the Library’s role as a centre for innovation, community, and lifelong learning.

The successful applicant will deliver a temporary mural for the Main Library at UNSW Sydney. This artwork will be located in a busy entrance area of the building, ensuring high visibility for the Library's visitors. This project aims to enhance the student experience and celebrate the diversity and excellence of the UNSW graduate community.

We encourage mural concepts that respond to the Library’s physical or symbolic environment, the University, or your time as a student at UNSW. Preferred concepts will:

• Reflect on the Library as a gateway to discovery, curiosity, and collaboration.
• Respond to the Library entrance as a place of welcome, belonging, and connection.
• Explore the Library as a place where history and tradition coexist with new ideas.
• Engage with the Library’s collection.
• Connect with the University’s research priorities.

This program is open to all UNSW alumni (graduates of any degree program). We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Review the full details, including technical requirements, selection criteria, and project specifications, in the information pack below.

Alumni Mural Program EOI 2026 - Information Pack (1.8MB PDF)

Level 2 site specifications (309KB PDF)

To apply, please submit your application as a single PDF (maximum 10MB) to LIB.Exhibitions@unsw.edu.au by Friday, 14 August 2026 at 5pm.

Your application must include:

1. Artist CV: Maximum 2 pages (must include education details and date of UNSW graduation).
2. Artist Bio: Maximum 200 words.
3. Concept Statement: Maximum 300 words detailing how the work responds to the themes and the site.
4. Visual Support: A concept sketch or mood board, plus up to 10 images of previous relevant work.
5. Budget Outline: A high-level breakdown of anticipated costs.

For technical queries or general questions, please contact the Special Collections & Exhibitions team at LIB.Exhibitions@unsw.edu.au. Queries will be answered by email until Thursday, 13 August 2026 at 5pm.

Top image: Abdullah M.I. Syed installing the mural, Chahār Bāgh: Garden of Knowledge (2023), Level 7 lift foyer.