Interpretive Signage in the National Triangle

The National Capital Authority (NCA) is undertaking a refresh of the tired and deteriorated existing ‘red’ vehicular directional and interpretive signage to improve the aesthetic across the National Triangle. This will incorporate the new National Triangle branding and update the content to reflect contemporary style in telling our Nation’s stories, both in the recent past and much further back to First Nations experiences.

To facilitate this journey, the NCA will procure, through an Expression of Interest (EOI), a panel of 5 independent experts to review and enrich interpretive content. The said procurement will be carried out through advertising and social media portals. 

The aim of this public engagement activity is to source people who have experience in interpreting First Nations’ content, history and heritage for public audiences, possess a keen eye for detail and can provide authoritative feedback about visual design and accuracy of written content to ensure that it is accessible and engaging.

Project Benefits

• Update of the name of the precinct from ‘Parliamentary Triangle’ to ‘National Triangle’;
• Refresh of the signs from the red colour to a colour that better fits within the landscape;
• Replacement of old and deteriorated assets;
• Review of interpretive content to reflect a more contemporary and integrated suite

Latest News

PLEASE NOTE: Expressions of interest for this project are now closed. Thank you to everyone who has submitted. Those who are selected will be contacted directly.

Seeking Expressions of Interest

The National Capital Authority (NCA) is seeking Expressions of Interest from individuals with a passion for history, heritage and public interpretation and/or expertise in content editing to join a small panel of experts to review and refresh, as needed, interpretive signage in the National Capital.

As a member of the panel, you will be responsible for providing expert advice, feedback and recommendations on interpretive signage designs and content, ensuring that they accurately and compellingly convey the stories and significance of the history and heritage they represent. This will include the following work:

• review the existing content of 28 signs (8 of which are duplicates) as an initial priority;
• collaboration with NCA representatives to discuss and propose text revisions;
• communication and engagement between experts and the NCA to reach a final interpretive text version for each sign; and
• assistance with identifying opportunities for new future interpretive signs.

To qualify, you should have:

• Experience in interpreting history and heritage for public audiences;
• A keen eye for detail and the ability to provide authoritative feedback on visual design and written content;
• A strong understanding of the principles of heritage interpretation, including the importance of accuracy, accessibility, and engagement;
• An interest in promoting public understanding and appreciation of history and heritage; and
• Knowledge about the use of modern technology and contemporary communication methods.
   

The intention of this Panel is to form a group that has the skills and expertise noted above as a collective whole, with the panel’s final composition at the NCA’s discretion. Having stronger expertise in one or two areas is no impediment to expressing your interest. 

Successful panel members will be appointed to the advisory panel and engaged directly under a contract. In recognition of the significance of this project and the professional services provided, the NCA will pay each panel member $1,000 per week (approximately 5 hours per week) for up to 8 weeks, with an option to extend the arrangement if required.

In submitting your Expression of Interest, please provide a maximum of 5 pages that addresses the following information:

•  A brief cover letter outlining your interest and experience in interpreting heritage for public audiences;
•  A current resume;
•  Contact details of two professional referees who can attest to your experience and expertise; and
•  Optional provision of a sample of your work from a professional portfolio.

Please submit your Expression of Interest by Wednesday 12 July 2023 to the address below.

We will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview.

National Capital Authority
Treasury Building, King Edward Terrace
Parkes, ACT 2600, Australia

Or email: TellingOurStories@nca.gov.au

We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your interest in this important opportunity to help shape the look and feel of our National Capital so all Australians and visitors will have a better appreciation of it.