Melbourne Art Trams initiative returns for 2022 with theme ‘Unapologetically Blak’

The Melbourne Art Tram initiative returns for 2022, with six trams once again featuring designs by First Peoples artists and curated by artist Jarra Karalinar Steel (Boonwurrung/Wemba Wemba) and responding to Melbourne RISING Festival’s theme – ‘Unapologetically Blak’.

RISING Melbourne Art Trams curator Jarra Karalinar Steel shares “showcasing First Peoples artists and creatives who challenge preconceptions of Aboriginal Art, is something I’m deeply passionate about. That’s why curating RISING’s First Peoples Melbourne Art Trams is such an honour.”

Supported by the State Government through Creative Victoria and presented by RISING festival, the fleet of travelling canvasses will wind their way across Country and urban passageways, in a rolling exhibition of Unapologetically Blak First Peoples’ identity and culture - providing inspiring and accessible art for all Victorians.

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson notes “Melbourne’s trams are an instantly recognisable global icon, making them a fitting canvas for the First Peoples artworks with stunning designs from contemporary artists for everyone to enjoy.”

The artists in the 2022 program include Louise Moore (Wamba), Patricia Mckean (Gunditjmara/Kirrae Wurrong), Dr Paola Balla (Wemba-Wemba/Gunditjmara), Tegan Murdock (Burapa) and Darcy McConnell / Enoki (Yorta Yorta/Dja Dja Wurrung).

The art trams will ride Melbourne’s network for 12 months and travellers will be able to learn more about the works and artists on route via QR codes.

For more information on the artworks, artists and tram routes, visit rising.melbourne.

Image: Reproduced design from Lin Onus's iconic Tram No. 829. Courtesy Creative Victoria, Credit: James Morgan