Giant sequoia timber

Giant sequoia timber

The City of Hobart invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from artists, makers and community groups to utilise timber sourced from two giant sequoia trees. 

This initiative supports creative and community-focused projects that respectfully engage with this unique material. 

The two giant sequoias fell into decline in 2025 and were removed from St David’s Park after repeated attempts to revive them failed.  

For makers who prefer to work with milled wood, we have included a store of milled elm timber from a mature tree in Franklin Square that was sadly vandalised and subsequently removed in 2005.

Successful applicants will be responsible for the collection, transport and use of the timber, as well as reporting project outcomes to the City of Hobart within one to two years. 

A catalogue of the timber can be viewed below or downloaded(PDF, 12MB).

Apply now

About the giant sequoias

The giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) is a tree species with a deep cultural legacy. Native to America, it is named Sequoya after a Cherokee chief. Giant sequoias can live for thousands of years.  

The trees are listed on the National Trust Register as specimens of State Significance.  

Find out more about these trees and their story:

Giant sequoias in St David's Park

We acknowledge the significance of the sequoia tree species to First Nations people from where these trees are from and seek to honour the lives of these trees by repurposing every piece of wood.

These trees have witnessed a changing landscape as Nipaluna (Hobart) has grown around them, carrying stories from other places that connect with us here. We acknowledge our city, and the trees that grow within it, is all part of Nipaluna, Palawa Country. 

Lutruwita (Tasmania) is known for its artists and designers, and there are many skilled makers across these islands who create beautiful objects and artworks from the wood grown across the state.  

The wood from these giant sequoias ranges from deep red to earthy pinks and pale yellows. It was historically used for its resistance to fire and rot.  

This EOI process represents a rare opportunity for artists, designers and makers in Lutruwita (Tasmania) to access large, whole unmilled pieces of wood and a range of character filled branches for free to use in ambitious creative and community projects.  

For makers who prefer to work with milled wood, we have included a store of milled elm timber from a mature tree in Franklin Square that was sadly vandalised and subsequently removed in 2005. The wood from the tree was milled and has been stacked and stored undercover since this time. 

Timber catalogue

EOI details

Objectives

  • Support creative and innovative uses of giant sequoia timber.
  • Ensure respectful and sustainable use of the material.
  • Deliver cultural, artistic, or community benefit outcomes for the City of Hobart.

Eligibility

This EOI is open to:

  • individual artists
  • artist collectives
  • community organisations
  • designers and craftspeople.

Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to collect and transport the timber independently.

Timber collection and use conditions

  • Successful applicants must organise and undertake collection and transport of timber at their own cost.
  • Timber must be used only for the approved project.
  • Projects must respect the cultural, environmental and symbolic value of the giant sequoia trees.
  • City of Hobart can assist to load the wood onto the applicant’s vehicle (or trailer) with suitable load capacity, however, securing and transporting the load off City land is the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Once the wood has been accepted and removed from City of Hobart land, all risks associated with the handling, processing, storage and use of the wood are the responsibility of the applicant.

Reporting requirements

  • Successful applicants must provide a project report to the City of Hobart within 1 to 2 years.
  • Reports should include documentation of the process, outcomes and community impact.

Submission requirements

Applicants must submit:

  • project proposal (description, concept, and intended outcomes)
  • images or sketches (if applicable)
  • artist CV or relevant experience
  • statement addressing assessment criteria
  • timeline for delivery.

Community open day

There will be a community open day at the City of Hobart Bushland Depot to provide applicants with an opportunity to view the timber. 

Open day details 

When: Thursday 18 June 2026 , 9am – 12pm.
Where: 518 Huon Rd, South Hobart TAS 7004. 

Assessment process

EOIs will be assessed by a panel comprising City of Hobart staff and external assessors.

Assessment criteria

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

  1. Quality (30 per cent) – Quality of artistic or creative activity.
  2. Viability (25 per cent) – Relevance and strength of prior experience and skills.
  3. Value (20 per cent) – The timber is respected and valued.
  4. Benefit (25 per cent) – Community benefit.

Contact

For further information, please contact the City of Hobart Public Art Program Officer by email publicart@hobartcity.com.au.

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