In this course students will work closely with Canberra-based, national or international institutions to devise and deliver a public program.  By engaging directly with cultural industry leaders, students will learn how concepts such as audience, community and place-making are configured differently depending on the institutional context. The public program – be it a workshop, community project, participatory artwork or site-specific engagement – becomes a practice-led means to navigate ranging objectives in the larger arts and culture ecology. Contributing their existing skills, students will learn to problem solve and evaluate their methods as individual practitioners and collaborative producers. 

Students may complete this course twice for a maximum credit value of 12 units, provided they enrol in a different topic in each instance/semester. Please note that the course content, assessment structure, partner institutions and reading list will change depending on the topic and the expertise of the lecturer convening the course. Please refer to the class summary for the specific term in which you wish to enrol for a detailed description.

 

Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Canberra Communities: placemaking & cultural development
• Mt Stromlo Canberra Enlighten Project

Run in intensive mode, this project enables students to produce work for Canberra’s Enlighten Festival, for public premiere at Mount Stromlo Observatory in February 2025. The project offers the opportunity to explore the expressive potential of large-scale digital projections onto public architecture, taking into consideration the unique qualities of the Mount Stromlo, the history of Canberra Enlighten, and the staging of large scale cultural events/public art. Open to students working across all mediums and forms, the project offers the opportunity to extend your practice by exploring the expressive possibilities of the moving image in relation to traditional media.   

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. demonstrate social responsibility in engaging collaboratively with institutions, the public and peers  
2. develop informed methodologies and problem-solving skills in response to real-world problems and challenges. 
3. recognise and analyse practices of public programming from artistic, institutional and community perspectives; and
4. critically reflect on methods and outcomes.

Research-Led Teaching

This iteration of The Public Project centres around a real-world opportunity to propose a public artwork for City Walk. Students will benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration and the convenor's research interests in urban design, public art and stakeholder engagement.

Field Trips

This course includes multiple local field trips in Weeks 2,3,4,9,10 & 11. Field trip locations are either in walking distance of from campus or are easily accessible by public transport.

Additional Course Costs

Student contribution amounts under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) and tuition fees support the course described in the Class Summary and include tuition, teaching materials, and student access to the workshops for the stated course hours.

The Material Fee is payable to the School of Art & Design to supply consumables and materials that become your physical property. The Additional Materials Fee is payable for materials you use in addition to those supplied as part of the course. You can purchase additional material from the Workshop and take advantage of the GST-free status. These materials are also WHS and workshop process compliant.

Students have the option to obtain After hours Access to workshop and studio spaces outside of class delivery. After hours Access is defined as access to workshop and studio spaces outside of business hours between 6.00pm and 10:00pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 4pm Saturday - Sunday. It is afforded to students by paying an After hours Access Fee each semester.

For further information and to Pay Materials and Access Fees go to: https://soad.cass.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees  

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	9.00 -10.00 Design Seminar Room 1.51_SOA&D Bldg 105 Course overview, workshop interdisciplinary collaboration skills 10.00-13.00 Wood Bench Room G.62DESN3011 Collaboration: Introduction, course overview, & review of assessment items. Introduction to Project Briefs and Industry Partners. Group formation.	Course Overview - discussion of all assessment tasks Lecture and interactive activities.
2	9.00 -10.00    New Acton site analysis 10.00-13.00 Wood Bench Room G.62DESN3011 Collaboration: Design studio activities. Group contract, develop project timeline, skills audit, and project research
3	9.00 -10.00    Design Seminar Room 1.51_SOA&D Bldg 105 Lecture: play in the city 10.00-13.00 Wood Bench Room G.62DESN3011 Collaboration: Formative Assessment (Assessment 1):Roundtable presentation of individual concepts from each group member. Critique session and peer feedback in class.	Formative Assessment (Assessment 1): Roundtable presentation of 3 x individual initial concepts from each group member - uploaded to the Miro Board. Critique session and peer feedback in class
4	9.00 -10.00    Haig Park site analysis 10.00-13.00 Wood Bench Room G.62DESN3011 Collaboration: Design studio activities. Project research and development group concepts drawn from week 3 individual initial concepts.
5	9.00 -10.00 Design Seminar Room 1.51_SOA&D Bldg 105 Readings tutorial  10.00-13.00 Wood Bench Room G.62DESN3011 Collaboration: Assessment 1 presentations. Guest expert critique session in class.
6	9.00 -10.00 Design Seminar Room 1.51_SOA&D Bldg 105 Interdisciplinary collaboration, 2nd stage design examples for public art  10.00-13.00 Wood Bench Room G.62DESN3011 Collaboration: Design studio activities. Project research and development.
7	9.00 -10.00 Onsite interventions 10.00-13.00 Wood Bench Room G.62DESN3011 Collaboration: Design studio activities. Project research and development.
8	9.00 -10.00 Design Seminar Room 1.51_SOA&D Bldg 105 Lecture: urban interventions 10.00-13.00 Wood Bench Room G.62DESN3011 Collaboration: Formative Assessment (Asses 2). Lightning presentation of developing group concepts. Critique session and peer feedback in class.	Formative Assessment (Assessment 2): Lightning presentation developing group concepts.  Critique session and peer feedback in class.
9	9.00 -10.00 Design Seminar Room 1.51_SOA&D Bldg 105 Presentation skills 10.00-13.00 Wood Bench Room G.62DESN3011 Collaboration: Design studio activities. Project research and development.
10	9.00 -10.00 Design Seminar Room 1.51_SOA&D Bldg 105 Project refinement 10.00-13.00 Wood Bench Room G.62DESN3011 Collaboration: Design studio activities. Round table peer review session in class.
11	9.00 -10.00 Design Seminar Room 1.51_SOA&D Bldg 105 Project refinement 10.00-13.00 Wood Bench Room G.62DESN3011 Collaboration: Design studio activities. Project research and development.
12	9.00 -10.00 Design Seminar Room 1.51_SOA&D Bldg 105 Reflective journal discussion 10.00-13.00 Wood Bench Room G.62DESN3011 Collaboration: Assessment 2 presentations. Presentations in the Design Gallery Space and Wattle submission. Presentation to Industry partners.	Assessment 2: Presentations in the Design Gallery Space and Wattle submission. Presentation to Industry partners.

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Design Research and Creative Direction	30 %	19/08/2025	1,2,3,4
Public Art Project: Stakeholder Engagement	40 %	21/10/2025	1,2,3,4
Reflective Journal	30 %	04/11/2025	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation is a key factor for learning in this course. It is assessed directly in Assessment Tasks 1-2 and reflected upon in Assessment Task 3.

Assessment Task 1

Design Research and Creative Direction

Value: 30%

Due: 19/08/2025

Summary:

Working in groups, students will respond to the real-world design opportunity for City Walk. Groups will coordinate and prepare a design research presentation based on the brief provided by City Renewal Authority. Contemporary design and public art practice methods will form the basis of the design approach. Each group member will develop 3 x individual initial concepts for week 3 (formative assessment), before developing these ideas into 3 x group concepts for week 5 (summative assessment). Feedback gathered from industry partner/s, staff, and peers can be used to illustrate and/or justify a particular project direction.

 

This assessment will include peer evaluation to ensure each group member contributed equally to the project (marks will be adjusted accordingly). Collaboration will be based on presentation evidence, peer evaluation, and observation of the group dynamic throughout the semester. Information regarding peer evaluation and group documentation methods will be provided during class. Students are expected to maintain upmost professionalism when working with each other, university staff and external stakeholders. 

*WH&S protocols must be followed, field trips (off-site) will need to be approved.

Format:

Week 3 (Formative) Assessment (Individual)

Roundtable presentation of 3 x individual initial concepts from each group member - uploaded to the Miro Board. Critique session and peer feedback in class. Participation is assessable (formative) with students required to arrive at the start of scheduled class.

 

Week 5 (Summative) Assessment Presentation (Group)

10-minute maximum group presentation in class followed by questions and discussion. Presentations will include an overview of the groups':

 

• creative direction – 3 x group concepts
• design research – group task (client, context, group dynamic, project frame, research, design methods, project plan, aims & objectives).

 

It is important to include evidence of the design process. Students are encouraged to explore creative ways of presenting their design research and design concepts, with experimentation with multiple media encouraged. Participation is assessable with students required to arrive at the start of scheduled class/presentations.

 

Online Submission Requirements: 

Submit a single combined group PDF which includes:

•         Your group presentation visual materials, sketches, process drawings, and design research (approx. 1500 words).

•         Each group members 3 x individual initial concepts - clearly named/assigned to each group member.

•         Your group contract, skills audit, project timeline/plan, meeting minutes and any other evidence of collaboration.

Each group member is individually responsible for submitting a copy of the above group submission on Canvas prior to week 5 class. Each group member will also individually email your tutor a self and peer review form.

 

Assessment Criteria: Individual Assessment in Group Tasks (where applicable). Refer to Rubric on Canvas, we will discuss the rubric in the context of the interdisciplinary collaboration in Week 1

Assessment Task 2

Public Art Project: Stakeholder Engagement

Value: 40%

Due 21/10/2025

Summary:

Building on the work prepared for Assessment item 1, Public Art Project: Stakeholder Engagement will culminate in the submission of a high-quality professional design presentation that includes a rigorous articulation and illustration of the final design response, and a design rationale (a justification of relevant design decisions). This process will involve peer, industry and staff critique (where relevant). Accompanying the final presentation, your group will submit evidence of the design process. This will include research methods, tools applied and associated critique/justification of methods selected, concept development (ideation/idea development) and a high-fidelity design outcome (prototype). Note: the design process, ideation development and final design prototype may include but not be limited to: sketches, low-fi mock-ups, high-fidelity outcomes, wireframes, CAD models, 3D prints, printed boards, videos, sound and or other prototyping techniques.

 

This submission will include peer evaluation to ensure each group member contributed equally to the project (marks will be adjusted accordingly). Collaboration will be based on evidence and observation of the group dynamic throughout the semester. Information regarding peer evaluation and group documentation methods will be provided during class. Students are expected to maintain upmost professionalism when working with each other, university staff and external stakeholders. 

*WH&S protocols must be followed, field trips (off-site) will need to be approved.

 

Week 8 (Formative) Assessment.

5-minute maximum lightning (5 slides maximum) group presentation of developing group concepts in class. A critique session including peer review will be held in class. Participation is assessable (formative) with students required to arrive at the start of scheduled class.

 

Week 12 (Summative) Assessment Presentation:

10-minute maximum group presentation in class to staff and industry partners, and Wattle submission. Presentations will include an overview of the groups:

 

• design context & associated research (summation of client expectations, group dynamic, constraints, design process / methods /aims/objectives etc);
• design outcome - 1 x resolved design that is technically & aesthetically resolved (incl. details & clarification surrounding context of use /market /user group etc).

 

Present your work including your context and design outcome in the Design Gallery Space in week 12. It is important to include evidence of the design process throughout the semester. Students are encouraged to explore creative ways of presenting their design research and design outcome, with experimentation with multiple media encouraged. Participation is assessable (summative) with students required to arrive at the start of scheduled class/presentations.

 

Week 12 (Summative) Rationale and Evaluation Report: 

Your group will also prepare and submit a Rationale and Evaluation Report for your design challenge project. Project requirements will be discussed in the seminars, and a template made available via the course site.

Word Limit: Approx. 2000 words plus visuals/appendix

 

 

Online Submission Requirements: 

Submit a single combined group PDF which includes:

•         Your group presentation visual materials, sketches, process drawings.

•         Your Design Rationale Report

•         Your group contract, skills audit, project timeline/plan, meeting minutes and any other evidence of collaboration.

Each group member is individually responsible for submitting a copy of the above group submission on Canvas prior to week 12 class. Each group member will also individually email your tutor a self and peer review form.

 

Assessment Criteria: Individual Assessment in Group Tasks (where applicable). Refer to Rubric on Canvas, we will discuss the rubric in the context of the interdisciplinary collaboration in Week 1

Assessment Task 3

Reflective Journal

Value: 30%

Due 04/11/2025

Format: Written reflection max 1500 words plus annotated images and bibliography

Details of Task:

Using photos, sketches and notes that you have collated throughout the semester, write a reflective journal using the following prompts:

Reflection on ideation and development

• Throughout this course various methods have been used to generate and develop ideas for public art, including photos, observational notes, brainstorming, initial sketches, short videos, and direct interventions. Which methods did you find most useful to help get ideas flowing and which method worked best when it came to developing the initial ideas further?
• Include annotated documentation of your examples.

Your experience as a collaborator

• Evaluate your own participation as part of a team and describe your approach to collaboration. How has this developed throughout the semester?
• Give an example of a professional creative collaboration (including an image of their work) or theoretical text that has helped you consider your own role as a collaborator.
• Give an example of where your group problem solved collectively and describe the role you played. 

Your experience with CRA as a stakeholder/client

• Was there any feedback from the client that was unexpected (either during the consultation process or after presenting the project? How did you adapt?
• What would you do differently or expand upon in devising and delivering the program if you could do it again? 

Reflecting on City Renewal Authority and ArtsACT (approx 200 words) 

• Identify an example of a public space, artwork or community engagement program that CRA or ArtsACT are responsible. In what ways is it successful in activating the urban environment and/or in what ways could it be improved? Use at least one text and one precedence in your evaluation.

Reflecting on research into practice (approx 200 words) 

• Reflect upon 2-3 instances where the experience of developing or delivering your project deepened your understanding of things you have read during the course (these can be from key texts or from your own research) or changed your mind about them.
• Include sketches or photographs where you can, to illustrate your observations.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students