Help us tell 30 years of NQWLS
In 2026, North Queensland Women’s Legal Service (NQWLS) celebrates 30 years of supporting women and working towards a safer, fairer North Queensland.
To mark this milestone, we are inviting artists from across our service region to express their interest in collaborating with us on a special art project.
We want to commission artwork that reflects our history, our impact and the future we are working towards.
But we don't want to tell you what the artwork should look like.
We want to hear your ideas.
The opportunity
We are seeking expressions of interest from artists who would like to collaborate with NQWLS over approximately six months to develop artwork celebrating 30 years of our organisation and the women, families and communities we have supported.
We are open to different approaches, mediums, styles and ideas.
The final approach will be informed by the responses we receive through this EOI process.
The artwork will be displayed in NQWLS offices in Mackay, Townsville and Cairns, creating an opportunity for staff, clients, community members and visitors to engage with the work for years to come.
What might the artwork explore?
We're interested in artwork that could respond to themes such as:
Our foundations
The people, ideas, advocacy and community action that helped establish NQWLS and shape the organisation we are today.
Our impact
The women, children, families and communities who have been at the heart of our work for the past 30 years.
Our future
The world we are working towards - one where women are valued, respected, heard and safe.
These are starting points, not requirements.
We want artists to bring their own perspectives, experiences, ideas and creative practices to the project.
Who we're looking for
We welcome expressions of interest from artists who:
live or work within the NQWLS service region
have an established creative practice
can demonstrate their work through a portfolio, website or social media
are interested in developing a collaborative relationship with NQWLS
have values that align with our commitment to feminism, equality, safety, human rights and social justice
are interested in exploring what 30 years of NQWLS means to them and to the communities we serve.
We welcome artists working across different mediums and creative practices.
You do not need to submit a fully developed artwork proposal at this stage.
We are interested in getting to know your work, your perspective and your ideas before determining the final direction of the project.
Collaboration and storytelling
We'd love to invite the selected artist or artists to share aspects of the creative process with our community as the project develops.
This could include studio visits, conversations about the artwork, photographs, video or social media content documenting the creative journey.
We recognise that artists have different ways of working, so we'll discuss what feels appropriate with the selected artist or artists.
This is paid work
NQWLS values the skills, time and creative practice of artists.
This is a paid commission. The remuneration, scope of work, timeline and deliverables will be discussed with the selected artist or artists.
How to express your interest
Complete the EOI form and tell us a little about yourself and your creative practice.
You can also use the form to tell us about any access or support requirements you may have throughout the EOI or collaboration process.
What happens next?
Expressions of interest will be open for two weeks, closing Monday 31st August 2026.
After the EOI period closes, NQWLS will review submissions and may contact artists to discuss their practice, ideas and suitability for the project.
We may ultimately commission:
one artist
multiple artists
or another creative approach that emerges through the EOI process.
The final scope, artwork requirements, remuneration and timeline will be agreed with the selected artist or artists before work begins.
About NQ Women's Legal Service
For 30 years, NQWLS has worked alongside women and communities across North Queensland to promote safety, equality and access to justice.
Our work is grounded in the belief that women have the right to live free from violence, make decisions about their own lives and have their voices heard.
We provide free legal advice and support across the top half of Queensland and work alongside communities to create lasting change.
We'd love to hear from artists who want to help us tell that story.