Bringing Art to Underland

Whether it’s a towering sculpture, a twinkly moment in the trees, a roving performance, or a curious corner of surprise — we want to know about it!

Registering your art helps us help you. Read on to find out why, and then hit that form!

Why Register?

ARTery loves knowing what's coming to Underland — and so does the rest of the crew. When you register your art, you:

  • Get placed in the perfect spot on the paddock

  • Receive support from the ARTery team (logistics, safety, guidance, and pep talks)

  • Get included on the Interactive Art Map (so people can find your work!)

  • Become part of our Documentation Project (get featured in the ARTery gallery and archives)

  • Join the network of artists bringing magic to Underland

Registering doesn’t lock you into anything too official — it just means we can work with you to make your installation the best it can be.


What Can You Register?

Basically, anything creative and intentional you’re bringing to the event:

  • Sculptures, installations, and structures
  • Light, fire, or sound-based works
  • Interactive or participatory experiences
  • Roving performances or theatre
  • Chill spaces or creative corners
  • Any kind of activation or happening

If you’re not sure — register anyway! We’d rather know than not know.


How to Register

Contact: artery@commonarts.org.au to ask to be notified when ARTery grant applications open for Underland 2026.

Register your art form - here

It’ll ask for a few details about you and your project, including your idea, rough size, materials, and any support you might need. It doesn't have to be perfect — we’re here to help fill in the gaps.

Deadline to register for 2026: 1st September

Got Questions?

We're happy to help! Reach out to ARTery at: artery@commonarts.org.au

Or drop by ARTery HQ at Centre Camp during the event.


Underland Art Guidelines

Early Entry

Artists can apply for Early Entry passes, of which there are a limited number available for key team members who qualify to come to site early and build your Art.

You can apply for early entry in the Art Registration Form. Early entry approvals will be advised in August.

Early Entry Criteria

Early entry is limited by our resources, it provides access to Artists where they need to set up complicated infrastructure prior to the event commencing.

Priority is given to key members of your team and access may be granted up to 2 days prior to the event commencing.

Please let us know when you register if you need early entry, what you plan on doing and how many days and people are needed. 

Health & Safety during this period is critical as it is a working site.

Fire and Flame Effects

If you plan to burn your art or if there are any flame effects or open fires (including candles and burn barrels) you MUST obtain approval by registering your art proposal and get approval from ARTery and the Fire Team before you set up your project.

Please get in touch ASAP if fire is a part of your plan.

You will need to provide additional documents and follow guidelines specific to the type of fire showcased in your installation. 

Note: there are limited spaces available for projects that are to be burnt and not all projects that apply will be approved. Please see below for the two classifications of fire art:

Open Fire

This includes any type of open flame from burn barrels to candles or if you plan to set your art on fire. In addition to telling us about your project you will need to provide safety plans, burn times (when the installation will include flame) and if you are burning your project, details about how you will minimise damage to the Paddock surface and your plans for removal of all ash and debris. 

Projects that are approved for burning will be subject to additional LNT (Leave No Trace) measures on set timelines to be outlined once approved by ARTery.

Flame Effects

Flame effects are defined as "The combustion of solids, liquids or gases to produce thermal, physical, verbal or audible phenomena before an audience." This includes all flames that are automated, switched, pressurised, or having any other action other than simply being lit on fire, as well as projects that utilise LPG (propane) or other liquid or gaseous fluids.

If you are using these types of effects you will need to describe the components of your system and how they relate to one another including fuel storage vessels, fuel delivery mechanisms, manual or remotely controlled valves, expansion or accumulator tanks, forced air blowers, manifolds, ignition systems, details of the flame heads (e.g. do they include venturis, etc.), and your fire control systems. Detailed drawings and safety plans will be required if your project is approved.