The City of Sydney has created an ‘artwork bank’ that will be made available to developers looking to spruce their project hoardings. As part of the initiative, the council has collected a range of artworks from Australian artists and photographers that developers can print onto their temporary hoardings, making them more engaging to passers-by and enlivening the street frontage. Access to and use of artworks within the bank is free of cost.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore explains that a key objective of the initiative is to make sure Sydney's public spaces are as attractive and welcoming as possible for the 1.2 million people who visit, live or work in the city every day.

With Sydney experiencing considerable development -– thanks to major projects around Central Station, Barangaroo, Martin Place and Circular Quay, to name a few – the council wanted to add beauty and vibrancy to the streets. Ms Moore additionally views the artwork bank initiative as an excellent opportunity to showcase some of Australia’s most talented artists, and to promote local creativity.

Illustrator Camila De Gregorio, part of the conservation-inspired art initiative Egg Picnic, believes the bank is a good way to connect with the community. For instance, their Birds of Australia piece – now available in the City of Sydney artwork bank – was inspired by the uniqueness and ecological power of Australian birds and their role in shaping the country’s landscape.