The Hero Apartment Building located in the Melbourne CBD is a heritage-listed site that was once a postal office and now houses 149 architect-designed apartments over 14 floors. 

The City of Melbourne (Public Art) will be offering $5,000 to the designer who presents the most inspiring 2D artwork design which will reside on the building exterior. The piece must adhere to the theme of Connection and Community whilst also reflecting on the high-profile and lengthy history of the site. All fabrication and installation costs will be covered, with the piece being featured for six months on the side of the building facing Collins Street, for many Melburnians to enjoy!

Boasting a design and community embedded with diversity, vibrance and history, the site is an awe-inspiring and welcome addition to the area that offers cafes, restaurants, and shops and an appealing site for people to view and enjoy as they pass. The residents of the building comprise of tradespeople, families, professionals, students, artists, and musicians, creating a whimsical community that befits the opportunity to implement a new community-oriented creative design on the building exterior.

Apart from an established reputation for inclusivity, community, and recognition of history, the building also boasts its own efforts in conservation and eco-friendly living solutions. A flourishing worm farm is located in the carpark, the residents maintain this project by feeding worms their food scraps and reducing their waste to landfill. Moreover, the roof of the site is home to many solar panels which are used to create renewable energy for the residents, showing yet another caring eco-friendly effort taken by the community.

The public art exhibition contest will close midday on Monday 27th of September, with all entrants required to be Victorian Residents. If you or someone you know is looking to enter, further details and the application form are featured here.