Temporary and Ephemeral Public Art

Works of temporary public art are intended to occupy a place and/or have a presence in the public realm for a limited period of time usually between one week and three months.

Works of ephemeral public art are distinctive because they may have a fleeting and immaterial presence on site, sometimes only for a single day or a matter of hours - for instance in the case of a light projection or a performance. Other works of ephemeral public art may have a more substantial material presence on site but may incorporate their own changing state and disappearance/dissipation as an integral part of the artwork – for instance in the case of sand drawing on the beach, or an ice sculpture. 

The City commissions artists to create temporary and ephemeral public art to intrigue, interpret, interrupt and involve the community in unique ways at different times, enhancing the diversity and vibrancy of experiences available within the City.

Information about the City’s current and previous Temporary and Ephemeral public art commissions is available on the public art page of the City’s website and Public Art map.

Artists interested in opportunities to work with the City on new temporary and ephemeral commissions should keep an eye on the City’s Expressions of Interest Page.

Related News

Foreshore’s beauty reflected in stunning art installation

Media Release 27 May 2025
Ephemeral Art Public Art South Perth Foreshore
A stunning new public art installation is set to mirror the magic of Mindeerup, inviting visitors to see the landscape, and themselves, in a whole new light. 

Aptly titled ‘Reflections’, the temporary installation by Perth artist Erica Zaino will be exhibited from 27 May to 10 July 2025 and feature mirrored sculptures positioned along the sands of the South Perth foreshore to echo and amplify the natural beauty of the area. 

With its maze-like form, ‘Reflections’ explores themes of journey, complexity and introspection and encourages visitors to lose themselves in its shimmering paths. 

The reflective surfaces transform constantly as the light changes, allowing the artwork to feel alive and ever-shifting. 

Known for creating immersive spaces that inspire contemplation, Zaino’s work aims to spark curiosity, joy and conversation. 

By day, the curved aluminium mirrors will reflect the charming surrounding landscape and the people who engage with it, and by night, they will be illuminated by the glow of Perth’s iconic city skyline and glittering Swan River. 

City of South Perth Mayor Greg Milner said the artwork perfectly captured the ever-changing beauty of the foreshore. 

“Reflections is part of the City’s Temporary and Ephemeral Public Art initiative, which commissions artists to create public art to intrigue, interpret, interrupt and involve the community in unique ways,” he said. 

“I’m thrilled we can offer experiences like this that enrich and really showcase the vibrancy of our beautiful City. 

“I encourage all residents to immerse themselves in this striking temporary installation during their next visit to our wonderful foreshore.” 

Interested in arts in your community? Evolve – Arts, Events and Culture Winter Program is coming to the City from 19 July – 23 August, featuring a packed calendar of arts workshops, interactive cultural activities and a live performance. Please visit the City’s website closer to the date for more details. 

 ‘Reflections’, the temporary installation by Perth artist Erica Zaino, located at Mindeerup, South Perth Foreshore.

Media contact

For media enquiries, please contact the City’s Communications Officer.