Expression of Interest – Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education – Design for Uniform
The Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education would like to commission a Palawa artist or designer to create a design to go on uniforms for the Indigenous Nationals.
The Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education is a place to come for assistance on academic, social, and cultural learnings, to ensure a positive student experience at the University of Tasmania. The Riawunna team, work within a cultural framework and aspire to create positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through educational experiences, supported through shared celebrations, culture and Community.
Visit Riawunna for further information about how the Centre supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and the community.
- Applications open: Tuesday 11 November 2025
- Applications close: Monday 8 December 2025
- Final design due: Monday 23 February 2026
Please read this page fully before submitting your application.
1. Submissions are sought from Tasmanian Aboriginal artists and designers for a design that will be printed onto uniforms for the Indigenous Nationals commencing in 2026. The clothing will include shirt, shorts, trackpants and jumper.
2. Artists are asked to submit a short description of the themes or concept for the design they would like to develop for this commission opportunity, along with up to three examples of previous artworks. Please note we do not require detailed designs at this stage, please attach examples of previous artwork only. You could also include your design portfolio, website link or resume if you have them.
3. A selection panel will short-list two artists who will receive $750 each to develop a design proposal.
4. Upon reviewing the proposals, one artist will be selected to deliver the final design.
- The design will need to be suitable to use on hoodies, shirts and trackpants. The clothing will also include the institution’s names ‘Riawunna’ (with the Riawunna symbol) and ‘University of Tasmania’. Placement of these may need to be considered during the development of the design.
- Design to be delivered in appropriate file (high DPI resolution or vector file - AI, EPS or SVG)
- The design should reflect Tasmanian Aboriginal culture and heritage.
- The design should be developed with consideration of appropriate cultural protocols.
- The selected artist will be paid a $10,000 artist fee to deliver the final design.
The artist will be selected based on the strength and relevance of past portfolio work submitted in their application, as well as, how their short description and themes fit the brief.
The shortlisted artwork submissions will then be assessed against the following criteria:
- Creative vision: a creative or innovative vision in terms of concept and method
- Suitability: to what extent do the artistic concept and design address the brief and opportunity, including factoring cultural appropriateness
- Capability: demonstrated experience and collaborative skillsets
The selection panel for this EOI consists of Georgie Spotswood-Stebbings (Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer, Riawunna, UTAS), Dave Warrener (Head of Service, Riawunna, UTAS) and Cindy Thomas (Indigenous Collections Coordinator and Curator, Cultural Collections, UTAS).
How to apply
Applications should include
- Name and contact details
- The EOI you are interested in
- Short description of the kind of art you would like to make for this commission, and the themes explored or a brief description of the concept for the design
- Three examples of previous work
- Design portfolio or website link (if you have one)
- Resume (if you have one)
To submit your application, please include all information (and attachments) and email to Cultural.Collections@utas.edu.au
If you have any issues or would like assistance applying, please email Cindy.Thomas@utas.edu.au
The University of Tasmania recognises that written, online applications are not accessible to everyone. If the process on this page is not suitable for you, please contact Cindy Thomas at Cindy.Thomas@utas.edu.au to discuss an alternative application pathway. We accept video or audio submissions in place of written responses (up to 5 minutes).