Artists selected for car park mural project
Published on 22 February 2024
The City of Launceston and street art advocacy collective Vibrance are pleased to announce that Tasmanian artists Mel McVee and Jamin have been selected as the successful applicants to paint murals on the front facade of the Paterson St East Car Park, following a public Expressions of Interest process.
The selection panel comprised representatives from Vibrance, the City of Launceston, Launceston Central and the Council's Cultural Advisory Committee.
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the application process brought forward many great ideas and the two chosen artists had put forward exciting proposals for the building.
"The feedback from the selection panel is that there were some awesome proposals put forward by artists from right across the State," Mayor Garwood said.
"And it sounds like the panel had some really difficult decisions to make, which goes to show the strength of not only the street art community here in Tasmania but also the appeal of having work on show in Launnie.
"Through the Council's Cultural Strategy and Public Art Strategy, we're keen to see more vibrant street art projects like this in the future, and we can't wait to see this one getting underway next month.
"Not only does street art bring new energy, life and colour to our city, but it also offers creatives the opportunity to express themselves in a positive environment and we know can even help to minimise graffiti and vandalism."
Vibrance spokesperson Jonny Scholes said both McVee and Jamin had a strong track record of mural art. "Mel and Jamin both have unique styles and have created dozens of fantastic large-scale murals not only in lutruwita/Tasmania, but across Australia and beyond," Mr Scholes said.
"The panel was very impressed with the submissions Jamin and Mel put forward as part of the EoI process, and we think Launceston residents will be wowed when the murals go up in March.
"The Paterson Street East Car Park is an amazing high-profile location for these murals and we hope they can kick-start more investment in street art in Launceston."
McVee said it was exciting to be able to work on a mural in the heart of Launceston. "Launceston has been my home now for the last four years and to be able to create an artwork for place I love is incredibly exciting for me," McVee said.
"The work will represent our unique species found in the nearby Cataract Gorge, highlighting the beauty we have at our doorstep."
Jamin said his first mural had been painted in Launceston more than 15 years ago.
"I am really excited to be painting one of my large scale, nature-based murals in the Launceston CBD," Jamin said.
"My first mural in Launceston was the Youngtown underpass, which I painted with Die Laughing Collective in 2006. Since that time I have painted murals in Launnies Nightclub, East Launceston Primary School and Australian Honey Products in Invermay.
"Launceston has a special place in my heart.
"I lived here on and off in the early 2000s where I met many lifelong friends, and I have been involved in many exhibitions including an artist residency at Launceston Grammar.
"Launceston is a gateway to some of Tasmania’s most incredible natural places, and a significant marker of Australia’s colonial heritage.
"I can't wait to get started and produce what I hope the people of Launceston will love and treasure for many years to come!"