Collaboration delivers Melbourne’s largest ever Augmented Reality Art Trail

A collaboration between Fed Square, Koorie Heritage Trust, ACMI and NGV has delivered Melbourne’s largest ever augmented reality art trail - supporting city traders by offering visitors more reasons to stay longer and see more.

Creativity and technology have combined to deliver artworks across Melbourne’s arts precinct with the launch of the free augmented reality (AR) art trail running from 22nd August to 30th September at Fed Square.

The cutting-edge art experience features 22 digital works with new commissions by celebrated Australian artists Reko Rennie, Ron Mueck and Patricia Piccinini, alongside a star-studded line-up of international artists including KAWS, Olafur Eliasson, Cao Fei, Koo Jeong A, Nina Chanel Abney and David Shrigley.

Art lovers can download the app for free on their smartphone, and discover a menu of virtual artworks, ranging from small sculptures to architectural-sized moving images.

Marking the first time AR.Trail has been in Australia, the experience is developed in partnership with renowned London-based digital art organisation Acute Art – known for delivering a string of highly successful augmented reality exhibitions in Singapore, New York, London, Tokyo and more.

Director and Chief Executive of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation Katrina Sedgwick advised “as we embark on the transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct we’re proud to bring leading art technology to Australia that will encourage discovery throughout the city and act as a precursor to our museums, galleries and theatres.”

This initiative has been supported through the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a partnership with the City of Melbourne – and is part of a $9.8 million suite of creative events and experiences which continue to attract visitors to Melbourne’s CBD.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp adds “Melbourne’s spectacular arts precinct is the envy of cities across the globe, and this vibrant new digital creative experience will give locals and visitors alike yet another reason to come in and soak up the colour, energy and vibrancy of our city.”

Visitors can download the free Acute Art app via the Apple Store and Google Play or find out more at fedsquare.com.