Expressions of Interest open for Launceston street art project

Published on 27 October 2023

A new street art mural is set to be painted on the front facade of Launceston's Paterson St East Car Park.

Thanks to a collaboration between the City of Launceston and Tasmanian street art advocacy collective Vibrance, an Expressions of Interest process has now opened seeking applicants for the project.

Vibrance supports Tasmanian creatives working in street art and graffiti, and has a strong track record of collaboration with Tasmanian businesses and artists to realise street art projects across the State.

While Tasmanian artists at all career stages will be considered for the street art project, artists who already have a proven track record for producing large-scale public murals are especially encouraged to apply.

Artists will be selected to paint one of two walls on the Paterson St East Car Park facade, with the selection panel comprising representatives from Vibrance, the City of Launceston, Launceston Central and the Council's Cultural Advisory Committee.

Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said he was pleased to see a new street art project planned for the CBD.

"I'm stoked that we're able to partner with the passionate street art advocates at Vibrance to splash some colour on the walls and create new opportunities for Tasmanian street artists," Mayor Garwood said.

"I think that it's really important to engage and create opportunities for not only Tassie artists, but those who want to express themselves creatively. 

"We need to have outlets that continue to build upon our incredibly creative and vibrant arts culture and identity, and I hope that these sorts of initiatives assist in building that sense of pride and purpose. 

"I'd rather see these sorts of projects — that harness the interest of our community with the ability to engage positively — than those expressed through illegal scribble tag. 

"The Paterson St East Car Park is a brilliant location and I can't wait to see some quality submissions."

Vibrance spokesperson Jonny Scholes said the Paterson St East Car Park project was part of Vibrance’s commitment to new street art works in Northern Tasmania.

"We're excited to be involved in a new project in Launceston," Mr Scholes said.

"This project is being supported by the Australian Federal Government's RISE (Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand) Grant, and is also aligned with the City of Launceston's Public Art Strategy 2023-2031.

"We will have artists selected by late-November and plan to work with them to paint the murals in February 2024."

For more details on the Expressions of Interest process, visit vibranceprojects.com

Submissions to the Expressions of Interest process will close on Monday, November 20, 2023.