pumili nayri (making good)

Creative Brief – Call for Expressions of Interest, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, July 2026

On 15 February 2021 the Royal Society of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery each apologised to Tasmanian Aboriginal people.  They acknowledged publicly for the first time the pain, suffering and ongoing trauma their institutions have caused Tasmanian Aboriginal people.  These apologies were responded to, on the day, by Rodney Gibbins and Michael Mansell on behalf of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community.

In recognition of this event, and its intent to change the relationship between the two organisations and the Aboriginal People of Tasmania, the Royal Society of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery are jointly seeking to commission a Tasmanian Aboriginal artist or group of artists to create an artwork in the TMAG precinct.

The artwork will be:

  • A publicly accessible, permanent, outdoor object/sculpture/artwork/installation.
  • In the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery precinct (preferably in or near an entrance).
  • A joint Royal Society of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery venture and funded by the two organisations in equal parts.

Following advice and endorsement from the Palawa kani team at the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre the project has been named pumili nayri (making good).

Working Group + Project Manager

The pumili nayri working group comprises senior representatives from The Royal Society of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Current members of the working group are Denise Robinson, Julie Gough, Mary Mulcahy, Kerry Sculthorpe, Jocelyn McPhie and Michael Rowan. The working group has appointed Donna Mason as Project Manager for this project.

Project Timeline

This project has been scheduled to span 15 months that will include this EOI process, a shortlisted artist announcement, time and budget for 3 shortlisted artists to develop a detailed concept proposal, and then dedicated phases for the final selected artist or group of artists to develop,  install and present the artwork.

Key Dates

  • 29 July 2026 : EOI Walkaround @ TMAG
  • 11 August 2026 : Online Information Session
  • 28 August 2026 : Artist EOI’s Close.
  • 4 September 2026: Three shortlisted artists selected to produce a detailed proposal including maquettes.
  • Early October 2026: Detailed proposals presented.
  • Mid October 2026: successful artist/s announced.
  • Jan 2027 – June 2027: artist/s develop works.
  • August / September 2027: artwork installation
  • September / November 2027: artwork unveiled

MORE INFO https://www.tmag.tas.gov.au/about/services/latest-news/pumili-nayri-making-good